Justin Manzari

Justin Michael Manzari was born on May 3, 1988 in Baltimore, Maryland to Thomas and Robin Manzari.  He departed this life on July 25, 2017 after a long battle with a birth defect known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS).  Justin was the oldest of four children.

Justin attended school in Baltimore County and graduated from Kenwood High School in 2006.  Justin also attended Essex Community College.  Upon graduating Justin worked several jobs before his illness prevented him from working.  Justin was especially proud of working alongside his dad, “TJ” at KCI Technology, Incorporated.

On July 27, 2013 Karina Rodriquez became his devoted wife and they remained happily in love throughout his long illness.  From this union they have three children; Evangelina (Evey), Solen and Santana. Justin loved Karina and his children deeply and proved to be both a man of honor and a proud father as he cared for his wife and family.

Justin enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  He was the unsung leader of the crew, his cousins as they participated in childhood adventures.  Always one not to lean on his illness; Justin participated in several sports including baseball, lacrosse, soccer, wrestling and his favorite of all riding dirt bikes and four wheelers.  He was an avid Ravens fan and often quoted his favorite player Ray Lewis, “My pain is my badge of honor.”  Justin looked forward to visits from family and friends and playing video games with them.  Justin became instantly perked up when he received a phone call from a friend.  He considered himself working when he received his daily phone call at lunch time from his cousin Joey.

Justin’s grandparents Reginald and Rosetta Evans and his sister, Mariah Manzari preceded him in death.  Left to cherish and follow his legacy:  devoted wife, Karina; daughters, Evangelina and Solen; son, Santana; father, Thomas Manzari; mother, Robin Manzari; siblings, Niko and Alexis; grandfather, Thomas Manzari; grandmother, Marlene Manzari; uncles, Alfred and Michael Manzari and Herman and Larry Young; devoted aunts, Jackie Manzari and Cathy Evans.  Mother-in-law, Martha Cruz; father-in-law, Ben Rodriguez. Brothers-in-law, Brian Quezada, Royce Quezada, Anthony Rodriguez, Steven Rodriguez, Josh Rodriguez, and Noah Rodriguez. God sisters, LaTanya Walker and Tolorey Polson; God brother, Taurean Wilkinson and a host of cousins, relatives and friends.

At the request of Justin's family, in lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Justin's Kids' Scholarship Fund, 12337 Eastern Ave. Middle River, MD 21220.