Russell R. Jacobus

1935 - 2013

Russell R. Jacobus

AGE: 78 • Manchester

Russell R. Jacobus 78 of Manchester died peacefully at home on December 24, with his wife by his side to send him on his journey. Russ was born at the Pt. Pleasant Hospital in 1935. His family moved to Verona, where he later graduated from Verona High School in 1952. He spent all of his summers as a youth at the shore, staying with his grandparents and working many jobs. Immediately following graduation, he joined the Navy, serving from 1952-1956. His service time was spent with FASRON - 121, NAS, in Chincoteague, VA. He was employed for 30 years for N.J. Bell Telephone first as a Splicing Foreman, and moved up to Management in 1970. He retired in 1986. He was a proud Charter Member of the Pt. Pleasant Borough Fire Company #2, and was also a Member of the First Aid Squad. He founded the Poet's Club which met on Friday nights at the Firehouse. While still working for NJ Bell, Russ and several partners purchased the Norwood Inn in Avon. He spent summers working 7 days a week running the Inn, and winters doing all the repair work on the 100 plus year old hotel for the next 11 years. Russ was known as a meticulous bookkeeper and prided himself on always balancing the books at the hotel. He was a great storyteller, often entertaining everyone with stories about the Navy, the phone company, or the Norwood Inn. He also worked at Taylor Hardware, Belmar for 20 years, enjoying his work, and helping people find the right nuts and bolts. In 2012, when he finally retired, he volunteered along with his wife at the Shepherd's Table at the United Methodist Church, Bradley Beach, cooking, doing dishes, and greeting people on Wednesdays, when free meals were served. He also enjoyed traveling, and get togethers with neighbors at the Renaissance community, Manchester where he lived for the past 10 years.

He is predeceased by a sister, Joan Murray. Russ is survived by his loving wife Mary (nee: Gibbons) Jacobus, 2 sons and their wives, Steven and Jeanne Jacobus of Brielle, Scott and Dianne Jacobus of Pt. Pleasant, 2 daughters and a son in law, Debbie Jacobus and her husband, Bob Conrad, of Hoboken, and Christine Jacobus of Santa Fe, NM. Also surviving is a brother and sister in law, Ronald and Betty Jacobus of Smithville , 7 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, 2 step-children, Stephanie Liskowitz and Andy Schibell both of Wall, and 3 step-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank all those who have helped Russell on his journey, including the Compassionate Care Hospice, especially Nurses Peggy and Kathleen, and private aides Cindy J. and Cindy C. who helped make him comfortable in his last days.

Visitation will take place on Sunday from 1-5 pm at the Oliverie Funeral Home, 2925 Ridgeway Road, Manchester. A funeral service will be held on Monday at 10:00 am at the funeral home with interment to follow at the Brigadier Gen. William C. Doyle Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Manchester First Aid Squad, 29 Colonial Drive, Manchester, NJ 08759, the Pt. Pleasant Boro Fire Company #2, Beaver Dam Road, Pt. Pleasant,NJ 08742, or to the Shepherd's Table, c/o the First United Methodist Church, 319 Larraine Avenue, Bradley Beach, NJ.07720. Please share your "Russ" stories with the family and remember him with a smile and a laugh. To do so, or to obtain directions, or to send online condolences, please visit our website at www.oliveriefuneralhome.com.