Justin grew up in Stanton Heights, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Peabody High School in 2000. He enjoyed video games, hockey, snowboarding, and diving. In high school, he ran cross-country and was a member of the ski club. A man of faith, Justin was active in his church and attended Mass each morning before heading to work on base.

He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2001 and completed three combat tours in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He found purpose in serving his country and embraced difficult challenges. Though fully aware of the risks, he joined Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) to protect his fellow Marines. Justin served in the 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Camp Pendleton, California. His fourth deployment took him to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On December 15, 2010, he was killed by a roadside bomb in Helmand Province while clearing a path for a critical mission scheduled for the following day.

His legacy lives on through his wife, Anne; his extended family, friends, and fellow Marines.