Cincinnati, OH — The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) family, along with friends, colleagues, and loved ones spanning multiple states, are grieving the heartbreaking loss of Justin Steven Piper, a dedicated transit bus operator whose kindness, professionalism, and warmth left a lasting mark on everyone he met.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Justin grew up with the values of hard work, resilience, and community deeply ingrained in his character. He attended PS/IS 323 in his early years, where his bright smile and friendly nature made him a friend to many. Later, at George Westinghouse Vocational and Technical High School, he honed the skills and discipline that would guide him throughout his life.
Justin continued his education at Tompkins Cortland Community College, forming lifelong friendships and becoming known as the kind of person who could lighten any mood or offer encouragement to those in need.
Eventually settling in Cincinnati, Justin joined SORTA as a Transit Bus Operator — a role he carried out with pride, purpose, and genuine care. To him, driving a bus was never just a job; it was a daily opportunity to serve his community. Riders recall his warm greetings, thoughtful gestures, and reassuring presence, which turned ordinary commutes into moments of human connection.
Colleagues remember Justin as a dependable teammate, always willing to lend a hand, share a laugh, or guide new operators through the challenges of the job. His uplifting spirit and unwavering professionalism made him a cornerstone of the SORTA family.
Outside of work, Justin remained grounded in the values of his Brooklyn upbringing — loyalty, compassion, and perseverance. Friends and family describe him as someone who could make strangers feel like old friends and bring light into even the darkest of days.
Though his time was cut far too short, Justin’s life was defined by service, kindness, and the countless moments in which he made others feel seen and valued. His legacy will live on in the city streets he once navigated, in the hearts of his colleagues, and in the memories of every life he touched.
As Cincinnati mourns this tremendous loss, the community takes comfort in knowing that Justin’s spirit will forever ride along the routes he knew so well — a gentle reminder that compassion and connection are the true destinations in life.