In memory of Charles Jakubauskas
Donation protected
Eight years ago I called my cousin Charles for help. My first floor patio was overrun with rats. He'd told me a few funny rodent stories of living by the water in the Hamptons — once a rat fell on his face from the ceiling fan while he slept — so I thought he might have some insight. "You got all those rats in that ivy outside. I'll be there tomorrow to clear it out," he said. Then he finished with a kicker. "Cousin, don't sleep with your mouth open."
That's who Charlie was to me, and many others I imagine. Comical, willing to share stories about himself that instantly made you feel calm, and available to help. The very next day he showed up with his truck at my apartment in Manhattan and cleaned out all of the overgrown brush and ivy from the patio, ridding me of my rat problem. Temporarily, at least.
Charlie Jak may have been that guy to you. The one who helped at a moment's notice. Or maybe he gave you a clean fade at our family's longstanding barbershop Choppin' Charlie's in Sag Harbor (previously Southampton), where at times he worked alongside his grandfather, mother, father, and sister. Or maybe he was the tough athlete you grew up with in Hampton Bays that inspired you to play a little harder. Having grown up in Hampton Bays he basically knew everyone in town. He was an exceedingly talented guy that was far too funny, and loved by many.
On Dec. 22 at 12:04 p.m. Charlie was taken too soon from us all. He passed away from heart failure due to Lyme disease complications. He was 51 years young, and is survived by his son, Charles Jr., father, Joseph, and sister and best friend, April.
Charles loved the ocean. He was a commercial fisherman for 10 years. So the family is following his wishes and having a cremation. A memorial will take place later this year at his father's house in Hampton Bays. Funds are being raised to offer necessary support to the family at this empty moment — to find ways to laugh through the hard, the way he would have wanted it.
That's who Charlie was to me, and many others I imagine. Comical, willing to share stories about himself that instantly made you feel calm, and available to help. The very next day he showed up with his truck at my apartment in Manhattan and cleaned out all of the overgrown brush and ivy from the patio, ridding me of my rat problem. Temporarily, at least.
Charlie Jak may have been that guy to you. The one who helped at a moment's notice. Or maybe he gave you a clean fade at our family's longstanding barbershop Choppin' Charlie's in Sag Harbor (previously Southampton), where at times he worked alongside his grandfather, mother, father, and sister. Or maybe he was the tough athlete you grew up with in Hampton Bays that inspired you to play a little harder. Having grown up in Hampton Bays he basically knew everyone in town. He was an exceedingly talented guy that was far too funny, and loved by many.
On Dec. 22 at 12:04 p.m. Charlie was taken too soon from us all. He passed away from heart failure due to Lyme disease complications. He was 51 years young, and is survived by his son, Charles Jr., father, Joseph, and sister and best friend, April.
Charles loved the ocean. He was a commercial fisherman for 10 years. So the family is following his wishes and having a cremation. A memorial will take place later this year at his father's house in Hampton Bays. Funds are being raised to offer necessary support to the family at this empty moment — to find ways to laugh through the hard, the way he would have wanted it.
Organizer
April Jakubauskas
Organizer
Sag Harbor, NY
