Justin Thomas Gardetto

He was born October 24, 1998 in Irvine, CA, to Todd and Tami (Catlin) Gardetto. He spent his first few years in Anaheim enjoying frequent trips to Disneyland before moving to Norco at age 4. He graduated in 2017 from Norco High School, where he was active in JROTC, cross country, and choir. In 2013, Justin joined his maternal grandfather and uncles in achieving the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout and he proudly installed a flagpole at Norco’s Hidden Valley Nature Center as his Eagle project.

Following in the footsteps of his father and paternal grandfathers, Justin joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA and the Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth, TX. After separating from the service, Justin found his calling as an ironworker. He had recently completed his first year of apprenticeship and was full of grand ideas for a bright future.

Justin loved his family, his friends, and his country. He was full of life and laughter and found joy in spending time with others, playing games, and telling corny jokes. Among his many interests were listening to country music, going to concerts and the theater, and spending time outdoors, both on land and water – fishing, hunting, canoeing, and four-wheeling. Justin was always up for an adventure and willing to try different foods and experiences. He had a generous and kind soul and would frequently call his parents and grandparents just to say hello.

Justin will be greatly missed by his parents, Todd and Tami; his twin sister, Kristin; his grandparents, Ron and Eva Gardetto and Diane Catlin; and his extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his cousin, Dominic Laffoon, and grandfathers, Howard Stone and Thomas Catlin.

All are welcome to join us in celebrating Justin’s life on Thursday, June 29th in Norco, CA. Services will be held at Grace Fellowship Church at 11:00am and Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Memorial Park at 12:30pm. A reception will follow at the American Legion Post 328.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Justin’s memory to the Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation to assist young men and women who wish to attend trade school. Please select the “Direct Donation” link at https://mikeroweworks.org/donate/ so the family is notified of your tribute.

We love you, Justin. You gave the world so much joy and you’ll forever be in our hearts.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shannonrufesnow.com for the Gardetto family.