Stanley Jakubowycz

Stanley Jakubowycz, known lovingly to many as Stan Jak, passed away on March 23, 2026, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center (HMH) in Neptune, New Jersey, at the age of 88. He was born on July 12, 1937, in Monastyryska, Ukraine to parents Tymko and Anna Jakubowycz, and lived a life marked by devotion to family, faith, hard work, and a deep pride in his heritage.

Stan was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Halyna Jakubowycz, and a cherished father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Halyna; his stepdaughter, Roxanne Stecura; his daughters, Natalie Antonelli and her late husband George, Helene and Michael DeRisi, and Leslie and Patrick Stivale; and his grandchildren, Nicole DeRisi, Michael DeRisi Jr., and Sofia Stivale. He is also remembered by his siblings and extended family, including Louise Krawczuk, MaryAnn Jakubowyc, and many nieces and nephews, among them Maryla Hatala, Michael and Natalia Krawczuk, Nicole Krawczuk, Annie Krawczuk, Nancy & Grace Jakubowyc, Susan Jakubowyc, John and Camilla Jakubowyc and family, Steven Jakubowycz, Michael Jakubowycz, Mark Jakubowycz & family, Janina and Yuri Trojanowski & family, and Anna and Rafal Wanat and family.

He was predeceased by his parents, Tymko and Anna Jakubowycz; siblings, Alex Jakubowycz, Joseph Jakubowyc, and Maria Hatala. His family was the center of his world, and he took great pride in their accomplishments and in the bonds they shared.

Stan was a graduate of Rider University and carried the discipline and determination of his education into every part of his life. He became a successful businessman, owning Just in Time Chemical and Chemical Service Inc., until his retirement. Through his work, he earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike, known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and commitment to doing things the right way. His career reflected the same careful attention and perseverance that guided him throughout his life.

A proud Catholic, Stan lived his faith through service, generosity, and a steadfast concern for others. He was deeply involved in the Ukrainian community and took great pride in preserving and celebrating his culture. He taught Ukrainian school, participated in Ukrainian dance at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Carteret, New Jersey, sang in the church choir, and remained active in youth and cultural organizations, including Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization in East Chatham, New York, and the Ukrainian American Youth Association Camp - CYM Camp, in Ellenville, New York. His love of his Ukrainian heritage was unmistakable and lifelong, and he worked tirelessly to pass that pride on to future generations.

Stan also devoted significant time and energy to civic life and public service. He was involved in politics and personally campaigned for the late President Ronald Reagan and Governor Thomas Kean. His dedication was recognized when Governor Thomas Kean appointed him as Commissioner of the Statue of Liberty Committee. He also served as chairman of the Ukrainian Festival at the Garden State Arts Center for two consecutive years, helping to produce the highest attendance of any ethnic festival at the time. These accomplishments reflected not only his leadership, but also his ability to bring people together in celebration of culture and community.

Those who knew Stan will remember his warm sense of humor, his thoughtful nature, and the passion he brought to everything he did. He was funny in a way that lifted spirits, thoughtful in a way that made others feel seen, and passionate in a way that inspired those around him. He lived with conviction and heart, and his presence left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Stanley Jakubowycz lived a full and meaningful life, guided by faith, family, and a deep love for his roots. His memory will remain a blessing to all who loved him. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, "To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." Stan did just that through the many lives he touched, the traditions he preserved, and the love he gave so freely.

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Funeral Services to be held at St Stephens Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1344 White Oak Bottom Road, Toms River, NJ, 08755. (732) 505-6053

Reverand Volodymyr Popyk

Services begin 9:00 am viewing

10:00 am Mass

Burial to follow at St Josephs Cemetery, 62 Cedar Grove Rd, Toms River NJ 08753

Repass at St Stephen's Church Hall to after burial