The community is in mourning. The marquee and memorial buntings draped on the Fair Haven Firehouse mark the passing of one of its own … one who served a community he loved.
Memorial services are set to begin on Tuesday for former Fair Havenite, Rumsonite and avid community emergency services volunteer Joseph B. Truex Sr.,54, who passed away on June 6. He was living in Little Silver at the time of his passing.
A life celebration is set for 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank. It will be followed by a mass of christian burial on Wednesday at 11:15 a.m. at St. James Roman Catholic Church in Red Bank. Interment will be private.
Born in Oceanport to Raymond and Rita, Joe was well-known as a civically-minded man who constantly gave back to his community. He served in the Fair Haven Fire Department for 16 years and was a three-time captain of its First Aid Squad.
Before that, Joe had served as captain of the Rumson EMS. He was also a more than 20 year member of the Middletown Auxiliary Police Department.
Joe is predeceased by: his father, Raymond; and his brothers Michael and Thomas.
He is survived by: his beloved wife Ethel; his mother, Rita; his loving sons, Raymond, Joseph Jr., Brian, Benjamin, David Ruthenbeck Jr. and Kevin Ruthenbeck; his dear grandchildren, Tyler and Skylar; and his siblings, Philip, Jake, Kate Portee and Patricia White.
A tribute to Joe will follow after his funeral. RIP, Joe. You are remembered.
You’ve seen them. Those little red and white flags. As Memorial Day approaches, the little memorial flags from fire companies pop up on lawns or any other fitting places to remember members who served and passed.
Longtime Fair Haven resident and veteran member and past president of the Fair Haven Fire Company Ladies’ Auxiliary, Ruth A. Sonnichsen Binaco passed away on April 24. She was 88.
Fair Haven Fire Department’s first Scuba Squad, or Water Rescue Unit Photo/FHFD
With the recent passing of Fair Haven’s Donny Frank — policeman, fireman and first aider — we are reminded of some history-making firsts for the borough that tend to get lost in the, well, passing of time.
So, here in the Retro Pic of the Day is an enlightening picture of a factoid that resurfaced like, say, a deep sea diver from the vast waters — sort of like Donny Frank and friends emerging with an expanded rescue idea for the Fair Haven First Aid Squad (or Corps) back in 1962.
The line to get into the annual Fair Haven Fire Department’s Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday night was as long, winding and enjoyable as a mouthful of spaghetti twirling on a fork, making its way into a hungry gullet.
Well, the weather report for the weekend calls for temperatures warming up and a little rain. You could say that fair weather bodes well this weekend for a couple of Fair Haven events.
The mourning buntings have once again been hung on the Fair Haven Firehouse. The marquee is a mere microcosm of the long story of a lifelong Fair Havenite’s service to his town and his passing.
The Fair Haven Fire Department Fire Police & Auxiliary Car Show made its 18th appearance on the firehouse grounds on Sunday.
In the hopes of having a bit more sun to shine on the day, organizers shifted it to the rain date from the originally planned Saturday event.
There was a big showing and turnout.
Take a look (and please forgive the blurriness of some of the photos. The photographer was a bit out of focus herself with a fall cold.) But, don’t forget to enlarge! Enjoy!
Rumson-Fair Haven area folks are falling for the spirit of the fall season like kids to a pile of leaves. And the weekend leaves no option but to partake in or at least toss around some activity options. There are many.
“In a perfect world we would all get the chance to say goodbye to each other before leaving. Unfortunately like we’ve experienced with many other friends and loved ones that just isn’t the case.” ~ AJ Fox ~ excerpt of a Facebook post to Will Jakubecy
The Fair Haven community and beyond has been blanketed with sadness, shock and a lot of love since hearing of the sudden death of 32-year-old Will Jakubecy on July 20.
Messages and photos in remembrance of the Fair Haven native flooded social media, honing in on a vibrant life well-lived, shared and taken too soon.
And on July 26, from 4 to 8 p.m., the remembrance will continue with first a visitation at John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. It will be followed by a “Big Ass Repast,” according to Will’s obituary, at the Fair Haven Firehouse on Saturday at 2 p.m. for which all who loved Will are invited to come equipped with their favorite stories and photos of him.
As for any other details … the family, in his tribute, asks that “in lieu of flowers, please hold your loved ones close and call your mother. She worries.”
Will’s obituary/tribute from John E. Day Funeral Home, put together by his loved ones, paints the picture of his life … and it’s a giant canvas filled with bright color and unabashed detail.
Here it is … RIP, Will Jakubecy. You are remembered.
Wil Jakubecy Photo/Jakubecy family via John E. Day Funeral Home
“On July 20, 2017 our hearts were forever broken when Will was taken home on a country road. Will passed away due to unknown heart disease and stubbornness.
Will grew up in Fair Haven and attended Knollwood School. There he terrorized his teachers and made lifelong friendships with many. He put in his four years at Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School where he had a notorious football career as a stud fullback with the Bulldogs. Number 33 was known as “The Tank.” A man of tradition, he painted himself green and streaked through the halls of RFH on St. Patrick’s Day.
Will graduated from West Virginia University and was a proud Mountaineer. He rarely missed a football game and was a die-hard fan of Blue & Gold. “BZ” or “Be Easy” was a familiar face at Mario’s Fishbowl and all the local pubs of Morgantown. He never missed a chance to toss ‘em back and chase some girls.
After college, Will packed up his ski gear and moved to Bend, Oregon where he perfected his big mountain powder style. He upped his game on various back country trails with great friends and family. He was always prepared with a lifter in the pocket of his jacket.
Will came home and picked up a trowel to work alongside his dad and best friend, Bill. He became an accomplished mason, and they enjoyed many lunch breaks at Val’s Tavern. He eventually moved on to work with his cousin Jake and the dockbuilders of Local 1556.
Will travelled the world in search of the best powder with the West Long Branch Ski Club. He was a proud member of the esteemed club within the club, The Bushwackers. There he was named “Soaring Eagle” for the obvious reasons.
An all-American boy, Will enjoyed many sports including softball, hunting and fishing. He swung his bat for The Machine in the Rumson Townie Softball League with his dad and longtime buddies. The whitetail population of Monmouth County can sleep a little easier knowing Will has finally hung up his bow. His presence will be sorely missed at the Muzzy Stump Shoot this year and every year to come.
Will was the proud godfather of three: Johnny, Cole and Timmy. Not especially religious, he shared few bible verses, but he taught them loyalty, kindness and strength. He loved them hard and taught them how to properly have a good time. He made sure they would become aces in the snow and knew how to hold a rod & reel.
Will’s beloved dogs, Tanner & Clay, will never be the same. When you see them running through Fair Haven Fields, please send them home.
Will is predeceased by his grandparents Carl & Margaret Jakubecy and Jack Costello and his Aunt Jackie Lake. He also is giving Heaven some Hell with his cousin Mike Sharkey.
Will is survived by countless heartbroken friends and family members, most importantly his parents Joy (Costello) & Bill Jakubecy, his sister and brother-in-law Alison & Kevin Countryman and his beloved nephew & niece Timmy & Maggie. He is not survived by any children of his own (as far as we know).”
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