Justin S. Guimaraes, 23 years old, original resident of Bedminster, formerly of Nutley, Elizabeth and Newark, New Jersey, passed away on Thursday, September 30th 2021. Upon graduating from Bernards High School in June of 2016, Justin moved to Broward Country, Florida to attend his first year of college at Lynn University located in Boca Raton, Florida. The essay Justin wrote in order to apply to colleges was entitled: “How playing the violin made me a better wrestler”. Upon continuing to make the freshman moving in day rounds, without hesitation, Justin immediately walked over and introduced himself to the President of Lynn University. He stated his name as to ensure this person of such high title, would remember him. To ensure he left the most positive impression without delay. Needless to say, the President was very kind, welcoming and I trusted their firm manly hand-shake was the sign of acceptance and beginning of Justin’s new college life. Following that conversation, Justin also had his resume at hand and preceded to engage what turned into an immediate job interview and hiring at the college gym. This all happened within minutes and all of Justin’s will. Justin’s determination, relentless work ethic, dedication to the sports he loved, and ability to spontaneously teach himself how to read musical notes and play the violin without having the instrument at hand, was why his unique character, gentleness and smile impacted so many throughout his entire life. He recognized what his talents were. “Who he was”. And went for it and just as I told him: “If you want something, go get it!” From birth to young adult, Justin always seemed to be on a mission way ahead of himself and his time. Perhaps, he would just go too-too fast. Even when encouraged to take his time. His ability to disconnect from whatever challenges he may have faced as a child or teenager. Individually without any direction, Justin would still go into like an auto-pilot-mode and connect himself to the tasks and goals he had set way in advance. To dream big; never allow a darkness or struggle or denial to stop his intent and expectations; the pursuit of what he sought out to obtain was going in the only direction he had remembered to only know. That was Forward. Where impossible does not exist. Where only light does. In May of 2017, he chose to be water-baptized as a Christian Believer at Victory Church, located in Boca Raton, FL. He had been recruited to play college football at Southeastern University, which the prior year, he turned down college offers to focus on his academics. He knew there was a price to pay for lower grades but chose to take the challenge head on, accept his academic goals were the priority and then be ready for when he would be called. And that is exactly what happened in June 2017. Justin made it a point to seek out and train for what so many thought was considered unachievable. To Justin, it was always the opposite. He thrived off of their unbelief. And knew the only perspective that mattered, and he must only listen to was, his Godly ordained inner fire no one had the ability to take away. The more others would doubt, the more he would prove to himself and others of the opposite. But he did it with his actions. Not with words. His determination was a private war of his own. But he and only the selected few who chose to see the real-Justin, knew what he was doing. They joined in a type of accountability-agreement and language of their own. During 2016 to 2017, his favorite place was XPE Sports Training Facility in Boca Raton while attending Lynn University. The Members, the Trainers and the Owner, Mr. Tony V. at XPE adored Justin. And he felt so free while he trained. There were no dark times. Again, only light. Only time to focus and have that teaching spirit he had learned started at age 15 years old, as an Intern Fitness Trainer, back at his original training facility, TEST SPORTS located in Martinsville, NJ. There were men like him building up their playing skills, but it was so much more than that. It was a life-skill and where he was finally-finally accepted and understood. Sadly, in between his college years, he began to lose those things he worked so hard to gain. Became sick and evidence of his heart disorder began to come forth stronger and stronger and his health remained compromised. There were long moments of sadness. Moments of darkness, yet Justin kept fighting to get through the other side. Like he always managed to do. More recently, Justin dedicated himself to return to his original college at Lynn University located in Boca Raton, FL in August 2020. Unfortunately, his health continued to fluctuate. Have the right type of medical specialists was vital yet established slowly. During the last 15 days of September 2021, there was a new vibrance and awakening that became visible with Justin. He had to wear a new external heart monitor daily to ensure his numbers were properly tracked. And future corrective surgery would be determined in the weeks ahead. His smile was unmistakable. His clean mohawk hair cut had returned, and his glowing green eyes shined a bit brighter as they sun would hit his face. He made a vegan milk shake as a mere kind gesture for his grandmother, him, and I to share. New doctors were introduced, and the enthusiasm of a new chapter and beginning had arrived. However, there was still a new process to begin and that’s exactly the path that was chosen. Days prior His final actions included: “Mom, I’m going to be better. I just want to go home. I want to see Cameron and Nelson, and all my other friends.” “Mom, the football season at Bernards has started. I want to go back home to stand by Coach Sim and learn from him.” There is no denying, the loss of our Justin at such a young age is unexplainable. The disbelief is immeasurable. Join us to celebrate Justin’s life. The images during the reel that will show during his funeral & welcoming home to heaven. • Join us by wearing Justin’s favorite colors, beige, or tan ONLY. • If you choose no need to wear dark colors. • Join us to aluminate the atmosphere with Justin’s smile, passionate work ethic, relentless drive. • Justin did not get to reach that college or NFL Football Dream as he solely sought out to do. • On Thursday, Oct 14th and Friday, Oct 15th. As we pay our respects to Justin and say goodbye. • Please “agree” to wear the colors beige or tan to honor and remember the Justin we knew. • NO MORE DARKNESS! “TURN ON THE LIGHT!” Justin Guimaraes #26 FOREVER