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Obituary
What can you say about a man whose life was cut short at the age of only 23? Well, in the case of Daniel Joseph Justice it’s a lot. At 23 you could barely be called a man, but if you looked at Danny’s legacy you would think he lived the lifespan of Moses. Danny touched the lives of everyone he met. His smile would light up any room and his laughter was infectious. Danny was an inspiration to his brother, Richard. Whether it was their business, The Justice Brothers Collection, where the two sold paintings to raise money for Autism Awareness and Acceptance to Richard’s life goal of becoming a neuroscientist, Danny changed his brother’s trajectory in life. Danny turned his mother, Michelle, into a battle-hardened Spartan warrior. A champion for Danny and the autism community. Danny’s tin man of a father, Olen, was gifted a heart the day his Dannyboy was born. Danny changed more than the lives of his family. Danny was a force in the community. From his teachers and therapists to the staff at the Eisenhower Center, Danny left a lasting mark on every heart he touched. His imposing size and loving demeanor inspired Lisa “Mimi” Vilella to create a program to prepare first responders how to handle calls to scenes where disabled individuals like Danny, who was nonverbal autistic, may be present. In fact, Lisa has been so touched by Danny her charity Mimi’s Mission has renamed the program to honor Danny’s legacy.
I could go on and tell you all the things that Danny loved, like being in the water. I could tell you about how much joy it brought him to watch a Pixar movie, or how excited he would get when Larry would sing those silly songs during Veggie tales, or even how he trained Grandpa, Uncle Rick and Aunt Cathy to always have M&M’s, and Papa, Mimi and Aunt Kelly to always bring Wendy’s chicken nuggets. I could talk about the sensory issues Danny had and his distaste for clothes. We could talk about how Danny loved to lay in a pile of pillows and blankets in front of a window so he could pull the fuzz off a bear while he blew it in the air to watch it dance in the light. I could go on about all the things that Danny loved, but his true legacy are the people that Danny loved and the love everyone has for Danny. Danny’s short 23 years on this planet changed the hearts and lives of so many people in such a short time and I truly believe that is what Danny loved the most.
Danny is the beloved son of Olen and Michelle Justice. Loving brother of Richard Justice. Dearest grandson of Danny “Papa” and Kathy “Mimi” Justice, and Richard Ray, Sr. He is survived by his aunts and uncles, Kelly Justice, Rick (Cathy) Ray, Buddy (Alicia) Ray, Sheree Ray, cousin Shyanne “Shy-Shy” Justice, and many more cousins, family, and friends. He is preceded in death by his grandmothers Diana Rutherford, and Nancy Breitag, great-aunt and uncle Shirley and Al Malette, and godmother Heather Davis. Danny was involved with Mimi’s Mission, Danny Justice 911 Ready Bags, and Justice Brothers Collection.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mimi’s Mission. Please click on the button on the left to donate.
Rest is Peace Danny…We all miss you, but we will never forget you.
