Justin Polazzo - A Memorial

Justin Marcus Polazzo was a valued member of the Georgia Tech community.  He knew what community was and lived it.

Sadly we learned that he passed away on February 4, 2008 at 31 years of age.

Born in Alma, Michigan, on Dec. 31, 1976, he entered the world and proceeded to teach us what life is all about.

He recently rejoined our community in the Office of Information Technology in Architecture and Infrastructure.

Justin is survived by his parents, mother Carol Anson Stanwyck (Doug), and father Free Polazzo (Janet), brother Chad Polazzo (Lori), and stepsister Liz Stanwyck. Other area surviving relatives are Betty Anson, Wendy (Wagner) Muzechuk, Ashley and Maggie Haverfield and James Anson (Marilyn) from Illinois.

A memorial service was held on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008, in Atlanta.  His brother Chad Polazzo offered a brother's words, followed by a Sonata in C Sharp Minor, Opus 27 #2(Moonlight Sonata) by Ludwig Von Beethoven, performed by Richard Allen.  Michael Frutiger spoke on behalf of his friend.  Pat Shropshire read "Wherever I Go", by an anonymous author.  Guests then shared stories.  Minister David Jones closed with a reading of "A Blessing of Beauty" by John O'Donohue.  Musical Selections were provided by Steve Harris.

There is a theory that at most there are six degrees of separation between any two people on earth.  I am convinced that for Justin, there were only three degrees.  It is my hope that others will become inspired to reach out and touch lives in a way that was simply natural for Justin.

--Kurtus Chirhart

His obituaries were numerous, here is a selection of a few;