Jacob Brian Taft

Manhattan, N.Y. - Jacob Brian Taft died unexpectedly Sept. 22, 2009, at home in Manhattan.

Throughout his 37 years that included growing up in Noank, and later years in Newport, R.I., Miami Beach and New York City, Jacob rarely left a room without creating lifelong friendships.

Whether it was contributing musical talent to his high school rock band, organizing white water rafting trips to upstate New York, backpacking through Central America, or vacationing with family in Jamaica, Jacob's "Great Ideas" never fell short of a few good laughs and more than a few good memories.

Jacob was a 1990 graduate of Fitch High School in Groton and continued his studies at the University of Connecticut. He was enrolled currently at Monroe College in New York City, where he was an honors student in Hospitality Management.

He worked with Atlantic Stars, LLC, a hospitality company based in Newport, R.I., for whom he was involved with the restoration of historic hotels in Miami Beach from 1993 to 1998, passenger vessel construction in Newport from 1998 to 2000, and facilities management at the Park South Hotel in New York City from 2001 to the present.

Jacob's laughter and compassion will be held forever in the hearts of his mother, Brenda Ashton Scroggins and her husband, Jamie of Mystic; and his father, John Taft and his wife, Patricia of Newport, R.I. He also leaves grandparents, Ken and Mary Taft of Newport and grandmother, Louise Ashton of Uxbridge, Mass. as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and a wealth of close friends.

He was predeceased by his grandfather, Lawrence Ashton.

A memorial gathering will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Eisenhower House, Fort Adams State Park, Newport, R.I.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Groton Scholarship Fund, Jacob Taft Memorial Music Scholarship, C/O Sean McKenna, R.E. Fitch Senior High School, 101 Groton Long Point Rd., Groton, CT 06340.

As time goes on, we are left with only the memories that Jake helped us create. May they always be as strong as his character, and as genuine as his smile.