Justin Joseph Plunkett

Justin Joseph Plunkett, 51, passed away peacefully at home in Flemington, NJ, on August 19, 2025, surrounded by family and close friends, after a courageous five-year battle with colon cancer.

Born on November 24, 1973, in Summit, NJ, Justin spent his early childhood in Bloomfield Hills, MI before moving to Philadelphia in 1984, a city that would forever be in his blood - along with the Eagles, cheesesteaks whiz wit, Pork Roll, and all things Philly.

Justin was the beloved son of Thomas and Ellen (Gallagher) Plunkett. He was raised in part by his grandmother, Mary Plunkett (Nan) and his Aunt Helen Plunkett who never allowed there to be any tarnish on their Golden Boy. A proud graduate of Father Judge High School (Class of 1992), he went on to earn his bachelor's degree in information systems from The George Washington University in 1996 (he will forever be a Colonial), and later an MBA from Rider University in 2007.

Justin served with honor through the Navy ROTC program during his time in college and continued his service on active duty on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier U.S.S. Harry S. Truman until 2001 when he was honorably discharged as a lieutenant.

After the Navy, Justin found work as a Pharmaceutical Executive focusing on Trade Relations and Distribution Operations at companies including Sobi North America, Indivior, Cardinal Health, and Shionogi. A natural mentor, Justin inspired those around him with leadership, fostering collaboration and growth within his teams. His legacy is reflected not only in the successful projects he led but in the countless individuals he guided throughout his career.

On June 22, 2002, Justin married the love of his life, Lisa, with whom he built a life full of love, laughter, loyalty, and legendary playlists. Their relationship "survived" eight moves, five apartments, three homes, three dogs, his deployments, and her medical school and residency, (after which he felt confident he could take call just as well as Lisa), and watched her complete countless home improvement projects. Together they raised three wonderful children: Emily (19), Tyler (17), and Ella (11), who were, without question, his proudest accomplishments.

Justin lived a life powered by connection. Whether you met him at school, work, in the neighborhood, or the cancer center, once you were in his circle, you stayed there. He brought people together across every phase of his life, culminating in his beloved annual summer tradition: the PlunkettPOOLooza.

Justin was many things - a fierce friend, an unmatched toiletry supply hoarder (he never left a half-used, mini toothpaste or travel shaving cream behind), a self-proclaimed tech-savvy guy who, as Ella loves to point out, ironically never mastered the group chat, and perhaps the finest dancer to ever live. But his greatest accomplishment was being a beloved husband and father.

Justin idolized his father, and he spent his life striving to be as good a dad to his kids as his own was for him. He loved a good sandwich (especially the giant, late-night, post-Thanksgiving kind with Emily), believed teaching his kids to rap Beastie Boys' "Paul Revere" was a mandatory part of their education, cherished his time with Tyler as they bonded over episodes of South Park and private conversations not meant for mom's ears, and refused to give up his quixotic quest to make jean shorts, or jorts, seem like a totally reasonable fashion choice.

Justin's passion for life took many forms as he both celebrated and raged during Eagles games with his lifelong friend Jim over text. His go-to anthem "Jump Around" was played at full volume to kick off parties and was usually accompanied by Justin's legendary dance moves. He knew that joy was meant to be shared - loudly, proudly, and with the perfect 90s mix in the background.

Justin is survived by his wife, Lisa; his children, Emily, Tyler, and Ella; his brothers, Patrick (wife, Lisa), Terry, Kevin, and Grant; nieces and nephews Meaghan, Erin, Conor, Dylan and his beloved Julia; and countless members of his chosen family of friends.

Justin will lie in repose where family and friends will gather to remember and celebrate his life on Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 1:00-4:00 p.m., in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ. All are welcome to attend and honor a life lived boldly, generously, and fully.

A vigil service followed by reflections from family and friends will follow the visitation on Sunday at the funeral home beginning at 4:00 p.m., and to which all are welcome.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Rev. James Greenfield will take place on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Magdalen Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ. Everyone is kindly asked to meet directly at the church on Monday morning beginning at 9:45 a.m., and to follow the instructions of the Bordentown Home for Funerals and the Wright & Ford Care Team Family Ambassadors upon arrival for parking.

Interment will be private.

Arrangements are under the direction of longtime Plunkett family friend, Robert Pecht of Bordentown Home for Funerals. Please direct any questions regarding flowers, parking, times, etc. to Wright & Ford at 908-782-3311.

You are encouraged to visit Justin's permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Justin's name to the American Cancer Society or Hunterdon Hospice, both of which supported him and his family with immense compassion and care.

As we remember Justin, we invite you to channel his spirit: love big, laugh hard, collect blue golf shirts and khakis, dance like no one is watching, and always play the music loud.

"Pack it up, pack it in, let me begin

I came to win, battle me, that's a sin…

I came to get down, I came to get down

So get out your seat and jump around!"

Everybody, jump!

Please note: PlunkettPOOLooza 2025 will still be held as a continued celebration of Justin's life.

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