GLENS FALLS – George “Jake” Jacobs, 90, a lifelong Glens Falls resident, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on April 4, 2020.
Jake was born on July 19, 1929, to Agia and Abraham Jacobs at the family home on Warren Street in Glens Falls. He was a first generation American and the only son in their eight-child family.
Jake married Patricia “Pat” McCarthy in 1956, and the couple resided at the home they built on Oneida Street for 58 years.
He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War, where he earned a Medal of Occupation. A firefighter for 26 years, Jake retired as a Captain in the Glens Falls Fire Department in 1985.
Jake was a proud father to Marie and grandfather to Andrea and Daniel. He was a friend, mentor and helper to both his immediate family and his extended family and friends. When he wasn’t working, Jake frequently assisted his friends and neighbors with home repairs. When recently asked why he hardly ever accepted payment from people, he said he remembered how hard it was coming up with very little and he wanted to make life easier for people.
He was a prominent and lifelong member of the community at Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Church. He and his wife were also longtime members of the community at the Talk of the Town restaurant.
Jake was predeceased by his wife Pat who was the love of his life. They spent all of their time together in their retirement. They enjoyed going to Florida and were fans of Kennedy Space Center. At home, they enjoyed watching hockey.
Jake is survived by his daughter Marie Jacobs Johnston, his granddaughter Andrea Jacobs and her partner Josh Frey, his grandson Daniel Johnston and his wife Roni, his sister Barbara Crotty and her husband Al, his sister Beatrice Salem, his sister Anna Cottrell, and his brother in law, Richard “Dick” McCarthy and his wife Nancy. Coming from a large Syrian family, he is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and their families.
He will be laid to rest at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Veterans Cemetery. A celebration of Jake’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 55 Main Street, South Glens Falls.
Marie, Andrea and Danny…..
We are so sad to know that Jake has passed. You have all lost a huge piece of your lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dan and Monelle
Thank you Dan and Monelle. I’ve heard there are a lot of Jake stories going around. I hope to hear some of them when the regulations are lifted.
I worked with George for several years at GF Fire Dept. He was always kind, generous and fun loving. Like my father he grew up in the first ward and remembered his roots! I still think about the pranks we played from 1970-72.
Thank you, Jack. I’m Jake’s daughter, Marie. It’s nice to hear of those fond memories. I remember your dad coming to our house to visit. They always had a good time.
Marie, Andrea and Daniel
We are so sorry for the loss of your father and grandfather.
You are in our hearts and thoughts.
Cindy and Molly DeLong
Dear Cindy and Molly, Thank you so much. If you’re over my way stop in. No invite needed.