We are heartbroken to share that yesterday Saturday morning, Jay suffered a catastrophic stroke that changed everything for our family. The past 30 hours have been unimaginable, and we know this news will come as a shock to our community and friends. Jay is just 47 years old and leaves behind his soul mate, Mary Anne, and the lights of his life, his two children, Jacob and Melanie, who are both in their second year of college. If you know Jay, you know he was the most generous person—always ready to share a home-cooked meal, his famous smoked meats, or offer his home as a place of comfort to anyone in need. His kindness touched so many lives, and his spirit of giving continues even now, as he has chosen to be an organ donor, helping others in their time of need. We are still in the thick of it all, taking things day by day. Mary Anne is facing this loss while managing her own health challenges with MS, and the kids are working out to navigate college during this incredibly difficult time. While have no way of knowing yet what the costs ahead will be—medical bills, sudden funeral expenses, and the uncertainty of what comes next. We are reaching out to our community for support, knowing that every bit of help will make a difference for Jay’s family as they grieve and begin to rebuild. And your prayers for us all would be immensely appreciated. Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming week. We ask that you direct all messages to [email redacted]. If you feel led to help, your donation will go directly to supporting Mary Anne, Jacob, and Melanie. Your prayers, love, and support mean the world to us. Thank you for standing with us during this unimaginable loss.





