Obituary: Justin J. Nizolek, 27, Of Stamford

Courtesy of Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home

Justin Nizolek, of Stamford, CT, passed away in his home on January 19, 2024, at the age of 27. Born May 13, 1996, Justin, affectionately known as “Judd,” was a beacon of kindness, always ready to lend a hand or a joke, whichever was needed most. He is survived by a loving family: his father, Kevin, sister Kaitlin, mother Sandra; his bonus family, Leigh Gersec and the Sextons — Jimmy, Ryan, and Shane; and his beloved cat, Emry. He was predeceased by his grandmother, Arlene Nizolek, whom he lovingly called “Giga,” his grandfather, John “Jack” Nizolek, whose selflessness shaped many of Justin’s traits and values, and his Shih Tzu, Noah, for whom he had countless nicknames.

Justin will be remembered by those who knew him for his boundless generosity. From his first steps, he found more joy in giving than receiving. Nothing excited him more than finding the perfect gift for someone. He was happiest when caring for others, enthusiastically orchestrating surprise prime rib dinners at Trip’s for his dad and dog-sitting his sister’s high-maintenance pup, whom, he would never admit, drove him crazy. His family was his heart, and he showed his love in countless, understated ways. He cherished the little things in life and often expressed gratitude for them, whether it was fishing with his dad, watching football on the couch, reading a good mystery novel, coaching baseball, or just cruising around Stamford with Pop Smoke as his soundtrack, he embraced these moments wholeheartedly.

An exceptional athlete early on, Justin made a name for himself on every team he joined. From Stamford American Little League, Babe Ruth Baseball, and the Stamford Sharks to Stamford High School Varsity Hockey and Baseball, you could count on #11 for a hat trick, a mean curveball, and the occasional “fisticuffs.” Whether on the ice or the field, his dad couldn’t have been prouder, while Justin, a perfectionist, win or lose, was the first to point out how he could improve.

Justin attended elementary through high school in the Stamford public school system. Then, he headed off to Indiana University Bloomington, where he claimed a B.A. in Economics and a Business Foundations Certification from the Kelley School of Business. He was a proud member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity and could be seen wearing his signature bucket hat at every “darty” (day party, for those unfamiliar with the college jargon).

In his professional life, Justin’s work ethic was unmatched. He started his career in financial services, interning at Greenwich Associates and CSC Sugar, and held positions at the Cardinal Firm and Colliers International. Justin was actively working toward his CPA license. More than an accounting pro, he had an entrepreneurial spirit. Alongside his cousin, PJ, he helped launch Uncorked — “built it from the ground up,” as he’d proudly proclaim. But it wasn’t just Justin’s business acumen that made him stand out; he was the epitome of humility and charm, as great with people as he was with numbers and eager to brighten others’ days.

Justin lived by a simple yet profound principle: you never know what someone else is going through, so be kind. He embodied that belief, inspiring friends and family to give grace to themselves and others, yet faced his own challenges with quiet resolve, mindful of the weight others might be carrying.

A burial service to celebrate Justin’s life will be held on Saturday, January 27, at 12:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church (locally known as The Fish Church), 1101 Bedford St, Stamford, CT 06905. Friends and family are invited to call on Friday, January 26, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at the Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT 06902. We welcome all who knew Justin to join us in remembering a remarkable young man who was truly one of a kind.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to High Watch Recovery Center at highwatchrecovery.org/donate, an organization close to Justin’s heart, where he found compassion, understanding, and many friends who matched his kindness.