A Life Celebration Mr. Lawrence B. Justice Jr will occur
Monday February 6, 2023
Pinn Memorial Baptist Church
2251 North 54th Street Philadelphia, Pa. 19131
Viewing: 9:00am-11:00am-Service: 11:00am
Interment-Glenwood Memorial Garden, Broomall,Pa
Lawrence B. Justice, Jr. (Larry) was born December 10, 1955, to the late Lawrence B. Justice, Sr., and Catherine T. Justice. Larry’s father was a frame and collision mechanic, spending many years honing his craft before officially opening Larry’s Alignment, Inc. (“the shop”) in 1969 on 61st St and Hazel Ave. in West Philly. Catherine, a devoted wife, and homemaker to her family, also worked as a secretary for the shop. In 1956, they became a family of four after welcoming Larry’s brother, Kenneth T. Justice. The family attended Greater St. Matthew Independent Church in West Philly.
As young boys, Larry and Kenneth grew up in the shop, and Larry quickly learned the tools and the trade of auto body repair. While attending Barry Elementary in West Philly, then Stephen Girard Elementary in South Philly, followed by Vare Junior High School and before graduating from Overbook High School in 1973, Larry had learned the business of Larry’s Alignment well and had become exceptionally skilled in the trade. The shop was thriving and Larry’s passion for auto body and collision services, in addition to the chance to work alongside his own father, became a natural part of his being. He went on to work many nights at the shop while studying Accounting at the prestigious Villanova University.
When Lawrence, Sr.’s health began to decline, Larry left Villanova to take over the shop’s daily operations. Kenneth joined him to take over alignment services a few short years later and with the nurturing and no-nonsense support of Catherine, the family business remained successful. By 1987, the shop had been doing well enough for Larry, Kenneth, and Catherine to expand Larry’s Alignment into a new location that was the length and width of half a city block on 61st St and Media Ave, where it still operates.
For nearly 50 years, Larry worked hard and became an expert in his trade, and he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the reputation and success of Larry’s Alignment. Not only was he one of the most sought-after business partners in auto body repair and collision services, but across the City of Philadelphia, people knew Larry to be an incredibly skilled and honest man of his work and most pointedly, a charitable man and one of deep integrity. Furthermore, Larry mentored others in this trade, providing jobs and family-like support to many who were in need.
Larry was first married in 1979. Though this relationship ended in 2006, it was through this union that Larry welcomed his only child and a daughter they both loved dearly, Samantha Lauren. The family relocated to Wilmington, Delaware. Even while commuting to Larry’s Alignment most days of the week, and working long hours to support his family, Larry was ever the family man and doting father. He shared with Samantha his passion for the water, teaching her how to swim in their backyard pool and enjoying family vacations to the beach. Larry was so proud to be her father and made sure everyone knew it! He was also a proud father-in-law to Samantha’s husband, Eric, and became a proud grandfather to their son Easton.
As for his social life, Larry never met a stranger. He was always in a pleasant mood, and intent on making sure those around him were happy and comfortable (and well-fed!). He loved listening to Motown, watching the Eagles play, grilling any time of the year, eating lots of seafood – especially crabs – and taking boating and fishing trips when he could. Throughout the years, Larry enjoyed being with his buddies, and he befriended many people from all walks of life. Larry was even recommended for and joined the Sharon Hill Lodge as a Mason.
When mutual friends, Rita and Allen, introduced Larry to Paula Rice, they knew the two would hit it off immediately. Larry had gotten dressed up to attend a fashion show being produced by the Philadelphia Continentals, of which Paula was a member. Larry and Paula did hit it off, eventually marrying in 2007. Together, they went on to enjoy many blended family milestones, including the births of new grandbabies, other special occasions, and vacations. The two maintained an overall unwavering love and support for one another. For more than 15 years and until his last breath, Larry was a devoted husband to Paula.
Larry leaves to cherish his memory: His wife, Paula Justice; his daughter, Samantha (Eric B. Kelley); grandson, Easton B. Kelley; stepson Ralph Rice, Jr.; his brother, Kenneth T. Justice, and three grandchildren by marriage who affectionately called him “Pop-Pop”.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his sister-in-law, Meva Justice, and his special cousin, Janelle Buck. Larry is survived by his Aunt Lorraine Henry, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close childhood friends.
Lawrence, we will miss you dearly, our devoted husband, dad, brother, Pop-Pop, uncle, friend, and mentor to so many. The love and care you showed to us is immeasurable and we will forever cherish your great legacy.
