“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.

“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).”