Jaykumar Dilipkumar Mehta

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jaykumar (Jay) Mehta, beloved husband, son, brother, uncle and friend, who left us unexpectedly on November 11, 2024, at the age of 44.
Born on March 13, 1980, in Kisumu, Kenya, Jay was the devoted husband to Karen and fur-dad to their "bruiser" dog, Ziggy. He was cherished son of Dilip and Pallavi Mehta and loving brother to Sonal Mehta and her husband, Paul Finfera. He was brother-in-law to Jennifer and Andrew Livanis. He was also "Uncle JJ" to his adored niece, Georgia (age 7) and nephew, Theo (age 5), and his love for them was boundless. Jay's warm presence, kind heart, and infectious spirit will be forever missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Jay and Karen met in 2017 and quickly became close friends. Their friendship blossomed into a beautiful, loving relationship. They married on May 22, 2021, building a partnership rooted in love, mutual respect, and a deep connection to their community in Astoria, Queens. Together, they established a strong foundation of family, friends, and neighbors who came to know them as an inseparable pair - full of warmth, laughter, and the feeling of being part of something special.
Jay was affectionately known as the "Mayor of Astoria," a testament to how deeply he was loved and respected by their neighbors and local business owners. His presence in the neighborhood was felt everywhere, as Jay took the time to connect with everyone he came across. Jay gave 110% of his energy, kindness, warmth and humor to his beloved Karen, and his friends and family.
He earned a Bachelor's in Philosophy and Religion from Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, and a Master's in Diplomacy, Law, and Global Change from Coventry University in England. His dedication to diplomacy, justice, and making a positive impact in the world shone through in both his professional and personal endeavors.
Jay was also a passionate lover of music, and his record collection was as diverse as his personality. His time as a DJ while studying at Flagler College further exemplified his ability to connect with people through the universal language of sound. Jay's music, kindness, and generosity created bonds that will be felt forever by all who knew him.
In his professional life, Jay's commitment to service and advocacy was matched by his academic achievements. With 20 years of experience in research, campaigning, and election-related work, Jay was a passionate advocate for workers' rights, particularly in the hospitality and service sectors. His current role was Manager of the Community Benefits Agreement Resource Center with Jobs to Move America (JMA) in December 2019, where he started as the Senior Researcher for New Jersey and most recently served as Northeast Director, overseeing JMA's programs in New York and New Jersey.
Jay made significant contributions while working for the UNITE HERE Union, where he helped raise labor standards, fostered organizing opportunities, and developed key political and community relationships for workers in hotels, airports, and casinos across North America. His career also included work as an issue and opposition researcher for the Working Families Party.
Jay's global reach included election monitoring in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, as well as serving as an administrator for Iraq's first out-of-country voting program.
Memorial Service Details:
A memorial service to celebrate Jay's life will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Neufeld Funeral Home at 9:00 a.m.
Address:
Neufeld Funeral Home
8804 43rd Ave.
Elmhurst, NY 11373
Following the service, family will proceed to the Fresh Pond Crematory promptly at 11:00 a.m.
Address:
Fresh Pond Crematory
6140 Mount Olivet Crescent
Middle Village, NY 11379
Later that afternoon, we invite all those who wish to join us for a "Celebration of Jay" at Maggie Hall's in Astoria from 3-6 p.m. This will be a time for family and friends to come together, share fond stories, and celebrate Jay's life-his kindness, his generosity, and the joy he brought to all who knew him.
Address:
Maggie Hall's
34-06 30th Ave.
Astoria, NY 11103
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Unite Here!, a cause that was close to Jay's heart.
Jay's influence on the lives he touched-through his work, his community, and his love for his family and friends -was profound. His legacy of service, kindness, and joy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
Rest in peace, Jay. You will always be in our hearts.
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