Charles Richard (Dick) Justice

1930 - 2021
Charles Richard Justice (Dick), a resident of Hanover, New Hampshire since 1995, formerly of Washington, DC, and New York, NY, passed away on Monday, February 1, 2021 in Hanover. He was age 90. Dick Justice was a pioneer in the field of computer automation. He is credited with being the architect of the world's first automated stock trading platform, which became known as Nasdaq.



Dick was born on April 3, 1930 in Portsmouth, Ohio to Charles Albert Justice and Etta Mae Justice (nee) Hunter. After graduating from high school a year early, Dick received a full academic scholarship to Washington & Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a BS in Mathematics and Physics. Dick then enlisted in the US Air Force, where he served for two years stationed in the Azores.



In the mid-1950s, Dick began his career as a trailblazer in the field of information technology working as a computer programmer at Rand Corporation in the Air Force defense program, followed by some time at Mitre Corporation as a system engineer, providing technology support to the US government. In 1968, he joined the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) to computerize over-the-counter (OTC) stock trading. Under Dick's direction, Nasdaq was created in 1971 as an automated quotation system. During his 30-year tenure, Nasdaq was expanded to a fully electronic trading platform. Nasdaq, which is now celebrating its 50th anniversary, will be honoring Dick with a display on its 7-story tower in Times Square in February 2021.



Dick is survived by his wife, Ann, of 41 years. Together they enjoyed traveling the world and attending theater performances. Upon retiring to Lyme, NH, Dick cared for his Labrador Retrievers and taught literature classes. He was also a gourmet chef, wine connoisseur, and avid runner.



In addition to his wife Ann, Dick is survived by his three daughters from a previous marriage (Melissa Justice Hoff, Amy Justice, and Lydia Justice Melech), six grandchildren, and his sister Suzanne Justice Carr. He will be truly missed.