Justin James Lesko's Obituary
On June 7, 2009 Justin ("Ja Ja" to his family) James Lesko of Lewes, age 19, died tragically at work while cleaning a pool.
Justin was born on March 23, 1990 to his loving parents Leslie and Jim Lesko at Beebe Medical Center. Even as a young boy, Justin was charming (his smile was disarming) and articulate. He was a deep, insightful thinker who loved to challenge the status quo. Justin championed the underdogs but loved to tease his siblings and teachers alike. His motto was "have fun now, work later."
Justin was a freshman at the University of Delaware, Georgetown Campus. He graduated from Cape Henlopen High School in 2008 (the kid who wore sunglasses!). Justin attended the Jefferson School from Pre-K through 6th grade and attended the Sussex Academy of Arts and Sciences throughout middle school. He said that his years at the Jefferson School and the Sussex Academy were the best of his life. Justin was a gifted writer but hated writing. He talked about opening his own business making surfboards or becoming a park ranger.
Justin's favorite pastimes included surfing and skate boarding at Cape Henlopen State Park and having bonfires with his long time friends ("his boys"), camping with the Boy Scouts, his Dad and his brother; target shooting with his grandfather, wood working, and jamming with his Gibson and amps big enough for an auditorium. His other pleasures include watching the History Channel, debating his parent's rules and hanging out with his best girl, Victoria.
Evan, his twelve-year-old brother, has many fond memories of the time they spent together. Justin would play guitar while Evan accompanied him on the drums. Justin taught Evan the finer points of ollies, and kick flips on his short board and coasting on his long board around the neighborhood. Jayden, his seven-year-old sister, will miss Justin reading her stories at bedtime and having the comfort of him falling asleep beside her.
A guy with a big heart, Justin visited nursing homes on Sundays with Coach McDowell; helped neighbors with heavy chores; and planted beach grass at the state park.
Throughout his childhood, Justin was a gifted athlete, enjoying basketball at the Sussex YMCA, soccer with Henlopen Soccer Club, and baseball with the Lewes Little League. In high school Justin had a passion for football and played various positions including center, special team, and offensive line back.
Justin is survived by his grieving family Jim, Leslie, Evan, and Jayden Lesko; maternal grandparents, Barbara and James Ruhe; his aunt, Krista Ruhe and uncle Gregory Ruhe; paternal grandmother, Rita Lesko; paternal aunts/uncles, Patricia and Jim Tromans and Jean and Don McKenna; Tom and Diane Lesko; and many, many cousins. Justin will always be remembered for his smile, compassion and love for his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers the family would be grateful for contributions to the Justin Lesko Nature Memorial Fund, C/O PNC Bank, 17725 Coastal Highway, Lewes, DE 19958.
A Tribute to Justin will be held Friday, June 12, 8:00 PM at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE (www.parsellfuneralhomes.com). Friends may begin calling at the funeral home at 5:00 PM. Beach attire is encouraged. On Saturday, June 13, 11:00 AM, a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Mary Mother of Peace Church (corner of Route 24 and Mt. Joy Road, Route 297), Oak Orchard. Interment will be private. A lunch will follow at the Glade Development Club House, 16 Glade Farm Drive, Rehoboth Beach, DE.
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