Justin Cestra, aged 31, passed away on May 21, 2024 in Cary, North Carolina. Justin was a son, brother, friend and most recently an uncle.

He was a man of many talents. Justin had a quirky personality that was the center of attention. He was always adding quick, witty, and hilarious comments; whether he was telling a story or just participating in a conversation. Justin was a lover of music- his talent on the piano was simply unmatched. I hope you had the honor of hearing him play but it was also unfortunately a rare occurrence.

Next to music, he had a passion for cars. Not any car but fast, exotic cars. His greatest pride and joy was his Lamborghini Huracon STO. He took great pride in having owned his own Lamborghini by age 30. Not only one but two! He was always cleaning it or adding modifications. He loved his cars and his gratuitous car family.

Justin went by the name of Sigma. He would include the symbol in his signature and even replaced standard issued license plates to read S1GM4. In addition to this trademark, he was always wearing two different color shoes (he even has a special pair that matched the colors of his car!)

He loved fluffy cats (tribute to Moe!), cigars, absurdly sweet coffee, good music, and mathematical equations.

During COVID, Justin discovered the world of virtual reality. He spent hours each night with friends from all over the world and even led a community with 500+ members. We have learned that Justin was an integral part of this VR world and impacted the lives of so many by being a guiding light or listening ear. He had a wonderfully deep heart.

Justin had a love for Chinese food on Thanksgiving, fuzzy blankets, and the smell of blueberry scented candles. He enjoyed funky flavored energy drinks, fine Japanese sake, expensive bourbon and scotch.

Justin was often surrounded by nature. He would seek out the most serene locations in New York and North Carolina to sit on a camp chair, reflect, and smoke one of his favorite cigars. If hiking with friends, he wouldn’t  just sit at the edge of a cliff to overlook the view, he would do a handstand at the edge while overlooking the view!

Justin is predeceased by his grandfather, Angelo; and is survived in life by his parents John and Arelys, his two sisters Ashley (Nick), and Gabriella (Shane), his grandmother Marcia, his uncle Ralph, and his niece Carsyn.

Justin was full of life. His family is heartbroken beyond words over the devastating news of his passing. While we feel remorse over what we could have done or didn’t do, nothing can be changed. We need to grievously keep moving forward and not forget him.

Justin’s friend, Vladislav Shkonda, summed this up perfectly by sharing a quote from a famous author, “A person dies twice. The first time when his life ends, and the second time when he disappears from the memory of people who knew him.” Please join us in never forgetting what a remarkable person Justin Cestra was.

Sunday June 23, 2024

1PM to 4PM

Crowne Plaza Albany Desmond Hotel

660 Albany Shaker Road

Albany, NY 12211