Obituary of Justin A. Bishop

Justin Aaron Bishop, age 48, died January 12, 2024.

Justin’s life was a testament to loving service and devotion to his friends and family. He discovered his passion for nursing at age 19. While serving as a hospice volunteer, he became inspired by the energy of helping others feel better. This carried him through his career as a registered nurse for 24 years. Justin studied at SUNY-Geneseo and the University of Delaware, from which he received his Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 2000. As an ICU nurse, a researcher, a nurse manager, a trainer, and a teacher, Justin brought empathy, skill, compassion, and humor to his work. The Quaker faith of his family was visible in the integrity and commitment to the wellbeing and peace of others that he sought to embody throughout his life.       

He dedicated himself to service outside of his professional roles as well, including volunteering with local food pantries, supporting political and civic causes that reflected his values, and providing leadership in The ManKind Project, helping men from all walks of life to discover and lead lives of service and integrity. Having lost his own father as a young man, he was deeply committed to live up to his father’s memory and example, and to pass on the wisdom and experience he had received to his own son. The significant hardships he endured in his life strengthened his character, and deepened his capacity and commitment to treat others with respect and dignity.   

Justin loved playing hobby games, particularly role-playing, where his mirthful spirit lightened every situation. He was the second president of the college game club he helped to found, and from this beginning touched the lives of several hundred SUNY-Geneseo students over decades. Justin loved music, especially Rush and Jethro Tull, and had an encyclopedic ability to select a fitting song for any occasion. He loved puns, movies, and reminiscing about shared adventures. He was a thoughtful, creative, and generous giver, and his gifts reflected the same care that he brought to all that he did. He loved the natural world, and especially the Adirondacks of Upstate New York. He took his son hiking every year of his life, and was looking forward to another adventure to see the total eclipse in April. He loved good food.      

Justin is predeceased by his father John Keith Bishop and mother Sarah Anne Stueber Bishop Merrill. He is survived by his beloved son Jonathon, his former wife Crystal Heshmat, his brother Keith Noah Merrill, his sister-in-law Honor Woodrow Merrill, and wider family including loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and stepparents; as well as devoted friends, cherished colleagues, and grateful patients. 

For Justin’s presence, example, and companionship in our lives, those who loved him are eternally grateful. He was a good man.

Gifts in Justin’s memory may be made to a trust being established by his family to benefit Justin’s son. Gifts may be made securely at www.everloved.com/life-of/justin-bishop/. A memorial in the Albany area will be held on March 2, 2024 at 1:00pm at Powell House, 524 Pitt Hall Rd. Old Chatham, NY 12136.