Justin Bortz was born in Reading, the youngest of ten children. His father, Wayne, son of Earl Bortz, well known for founding Bortz Chocolates, the manufacturer of novelty chocolates which created many of the beloved confections local children grew up with. The brothers established several manufacturing plants in the area. Justin’s family lived in a stately home in Angelica when a traumatic series of events impacted his life.
“As a young child, I was spoiled and very connected to my mother who was very loving. At the age of seven my mother had a breakdown and left my father, taking six of her children. Over the next nine months we moved from place to place, living in slums, and ended up in New York City. While in New York, three of us went to Greenwich Village and got lost. We ended up at the police station where my Dad came and picked us up. He took me away from my mother; I was only in second grade.” The situation traumatized young Justin. “As I remember, I felt like a boy with broken legs, trying to function, without my mother to look out for me.”
The scars of these events stayed with Justin during his years attending the Governor Mifflin School District. “I consider myself a late bloomer. I attended several schools, and lacked the confidence to become very engaged. I did, however, win an award for metal sculpture, encouraged by my teacher, Fred Eberly. He said that I had a knack for design, and encouraged me to present at a show in Kutztown where I got to show my work. It was at this point that I thought that metal and jewelry design was a path that I was interested in pursuing. I went to a local jeweler, who suggested that I go to Mike Mumma, who owned a local jewelry store and repair shop on Penn Street. Mike offered me the opportunity to come in for a few hours on a Saturday and paid me for my time. He told me he would teach me to be a goldsmith. When I graduated high school in 1980, I was working full time as a goldsmith apprentice.”
Justin decided to further his education, and moved to California to attend the Gemological Institute of America, where he graduated at the very top of his class. “I got married and we moved to Seattle, where I lived until we divorced and I returned to Berks County and established Justin Bortz Jeweler on Penn Avenue in West Reading in 1989. I was 30 years in business when Covid hit, and I realized that it was over. I was a full-service jewelry store, focusing on custom design jewelry and repair for thousands of customers. When the store closed, I continued as a concierge mobile jeweler. I will come to your home and custom design jewelry for you.”
During 30 years running a business in the popular West Reading shopping district, Justin’s enthusiasm for Christmas led him take the lead for West Reading’s Holiday Glow events, held each year during the Christmas season.
Justin’s creative talents have blossomed beyond seasoned custom jeweler. He is also a recognized musician with his band, Practical Saints, and as a writer, with the publication of his first book, The Seventh Avatar. “I’ve always had an intense love of music. I loved the Beatles. Their music was important to me and my group of friends at the time. We went to a lot of concerts. If I would have been more confident, my dream would have been to be a rock star! As I worked hard to get back on my horse through personal healing, I realized that I wanted to sing. The pastor at my church wanted me to do a summer service and I had already been singing with a childhood friend, Bill Jordan. We approached keyboard player, Dan Matz, and asked for help creating this cool service, The Gospel according to Neil Young. From this group we formed a band. To help promote positive things in the downtown Reading experience, we established a Third Friday event at The Gallery on Penn Square, featuring local bands with our band opening. I was involved with the Greater Reading Chamber at the time. The event eventually ran its course. With all of the music connections of that time, I was able to help coordinate a fundraiser to support the Sacred Oak in Oley, which was in need of care. I reached out to musicians, and we were able to raise $3,500 to help preserve this iconic tree.”
“My new band, Practical Saints was recently formed. We do a good bit of 60’s, 70’s and some 80’s music. The band hands out a booklet at each performance so the audience can sing along. I am the vocalist, and play electric guitar. Brian Weber is our keyboardist, Isaiah Matz plays guitar, Adam Neil is on drums, and Mike Szyna plays bass. We have a Facebook page to follow our events. We are a new band just getting started. Our first gig of the New Year will be at the New Jerusalem Inn on Saturday, Jan 17th at 8pm.”
On his path to self-discovery, Justin was drawn to studying different religions, which led to the writing of his first novel, The Seventh Avatar, published in 2025. The Seventh Avatar reimagines ancient prophecies across all major religions in a modern context. Born amidst miraculous signs and wonders, a prophesied savior is destined to challenge the darkness within humanity and bring profound “Light” to the world. –from The Seventh Avatar. The book is available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
To all who know him, Justin is the ultimate Christmas enthusiast, who joyfully decorates his home as early as possible, spreads joy through his page The Christmasists, and helps to organize events and projects to bring joy to others.
“I remember Christmas 1969, having been devastated by the separation from my mother, coming to life at Christmas. It lifted me up as I decorated our house and our big living room on my own. Since that time, I get so happy when Christmastime rolls around. I’ve tried every year to do things at Christmas to bring joy and happiness to others. Each year I bake cookies and hand out Christmas CD’s to everyone I meet. This year I had a party at my house, where we collected a bunch of toys for tots. We are looking forward to a Christmas caroling event on Friday, December 19th at 6pm, meeting at The Nest Collaborative at 629 Court Street, West Reading. Join us and help spread some Christmas cheer!”
