Justin Adam Friedlander passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 22 on November 25, 2024. Justin was a beloved son, grandson, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend to countless.

He was born in Reno, Nevada on George Washington's birthday in 2002 to Dr. Steven Friedlander and Rexina Netuschil, RN.

Justin was strong-willed, questioned authority, and made decisions based on his own research and priorities-thus he heroically never took the mandated mRNA COVID vaccine.

Justin enjoyed skiing, chess, cooking, playing the drums, writing letters, and he was a master of the Rubik's cube. Known as a strong athlete, Justin played basketball throughout his schooling, making many friends along the way. He enjoyed track and field excelling in discus and shot put enough to be invited to compete in an AAU Junior Olympics event in Virginia. Justin won the male student athlete of the year at Sage Ridge School in 2016.

He dabbled in football at Bishop Manogue High School but eventually discovered track as his passion, especially in the 200 meters. He then competed on the Manogue high school track team and represented them at the Nevada State championships on the 4x100 relay team.

Justin had the oft-missing quality of being able to befriend anyone who crossed his path. He would take on all comers in conversation and relationships. He made deep core friendships throughout his life and touched the lives of so many others who perhaps just had a chance encounter with him.

Justin recently graduated from the University of Colorado (Sko Buffs!) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree, with distinction, from the Leeds School of Business.

While at CU, he had joined the Colorado Alpha chapter of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, where he continued to forge unbreakable friendships. He served as the New Member Educator (a.k.a "Pledge-Master"), a role he thrived in, helping the new recruits of PDT learn what it meant to be "college men" and living up to the fraternity's motto "Eis aner oudeis aner," which translates to "One man is no man."

Justin was seen as a charismatic mentor, sometimes larger than life, as he would teach study habits, fraternity history, and simply set an example of what the college experience could be.

Justin was always an avid appreciator of music, but later in his short life he developed a love for the Grateful Dead, or the current iteration of Dead and Company. He attended five shows between Folsom Field in Boulder and the Sphere in Las Vegas.

Justin had begun a career in finance at Morgan Stanley in Reno. He passed the Certified Financial Planner test and the Series 7 examination both easily and on the first attempt. Justin had injected bold fresh energy into the workplace, learning new tasks quickly and proficiently living up to the "unicorn" moniker he was given when he inter viewed for the job.

Justin's group of long-term friends were like brothers to him. He also had a passionate budding relationship with his girlfriend Sofie.

They were just starting to dabble in Life's big questions and about how to prioritize career, love, and family.

Justin is survived by his father and stepmother, Steven Friedlander, MD and Monica House, and his mother Rexina Netuschil. Justin was the cherished grandson of Annette and Sandy Friedlander. He will be missed by his siblings and their partners, particularly Brent Bolsta and Shanel Balkenbush, and stepbrother Tommy Raffa. Numerous aunts and uncles adored him including Sheryl and Steve Cohen, Stacey Rosenberg, Pam and Wes Hall, Lisa Netuschil, and Glenn and Ann-Marie Netuschil. His cousins will also miss him dearly including ESN Siena Hall, USN, Wes "Wilkie" Hall, Laura Cohen, Jamie Cohen, Amanda Netuschil, Emily Netuschil, and Megan Netuschil. His memory will live on with his nephews Levi, Joe, Timothy and James Balkenbush.

He is also survived by some of his favorite musicians including Bobby Weir, Mickey Hart, Billy Kreutzmann, David Gilmour, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, amongst others.

There are things you can replace, and others you cannot.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Justin Friedlander Memorial Award at the Colorado Alpha Chapter of Phi Delta Theta.

Mailing address: Phi Delta Theta 1111 College Avenue Boulder, CO 80302

Inquiries for digital donations: pdtcoalpha@gmail.com