Obituary of Justus M Howley

Justus Matthew Howley (West Orange, NJ), born August 2, 1980, deceased April 6, 2024.

Justus was like a magnet from the moment he was born.  People were drawn to him, something that has been reinforced by all who have shared their memories of and stories about him.  As a child, he was always in motion; he grew into a man whose interests ranged from sports to Russian and Hungarian history. 

He spent many summers at Camp Timanous in Raymond, Maine and where, when he was 7, he won the Peppiest award at summer’s end.  He literally skipped the entire length of the cavernous Barn at Timanous to receive his medal; the almost 200 people who were there laughed and clapped as they watched the spectacle – the award so perfectly captured the essence of the boy.

He was introduced to sports as a child and his love for them grew from that.  He wrestled at Millburn High School and his experiences there left an indelible mark on him.  In the last several years, he was a volunteer coach for the Millburn rec wrestling program; he took incredible pride in his young wrestlers and their achievements.  And he taught them his old wrestling coach’s admonition:  “When you win, be gracious.  When you lose, be graceful.”

He loved all things TCU, and his beloved black lab rescues, Lola and Ashley.  As a lifelong Mets fan, he got used to the seasonal disappointment that all Mets fans must endure.  He was a voracious reader and music enthusiast and had recently become a Goose acolyte. 

He built his career in the financial services industry, with a focus on regulatory compliance consulting, and was employed at the time of his death by Salus GRC.

Justus is survived by his wife Christine DoRego, his mother Susan P. Howley, and siblings Joshua N. Howley (Briana) and Samantha Howley (Jay Harley), and his niece Wren Howley and nephews Finn Howley, and Jack & Beckett Harley.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Justus’s name to the Millburn Wrestling Program: The Paul Finn Foundation, c/o Marc Lombardy, Millburn High School, 462 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, NJ 07041.

Memorial Visitation will be held at Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ on Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 12:00pm - 2:00pm. Memorial Service will be at 1:30pm at the funeral home.