Obituaries

Jason P. “Jay” Jacunski, 16

Jason P. “Jay” Jacunski, 16, of Lancaster, PA passed away on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at Hershey Medical Center. He was born in Cleveland, OH and was the son of John P. and Karla J. (Pizio) Jacunski, of Lancaster.

Jay’s passion was his volunteer position as a Junior Firefighter with the East Petersburg Fire Company.

Jay graduated from St. Leo the Great Catholic School and attended Lancaster Catholic High School. He was a member of St. Leo the Great Church where he was involved in the Parish’s youth ministry program.

Jay enjoyed spending time with his family and friends as well as playing hockey, football, and lacrosse.

Surviving in addition to his parents, are his sister, Alyssa K., two brothers, Michael J. and Andrew “A.J.”, all of Lancaster, maternal grandmother, Barbara Pizio, paternal grandparents, Suzanne and M. William Jacunski, all of North Olmsted, OH, four uncles, five aunts, and thirteen cousins. Jay was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, James Pizio.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, December 20, 2010 at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church 2427 Marietta Ave. Lancaster, PA 17601 at 10am with the Rev. Peter I. Hahn as Celebrant and with Fr. Robert Jacunski and Fr. Donald Serva, S.J. Visitation with the family will take place at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 3110 Lititz Pk. Lititz, PA 17543 on Sunday from 5-8pm with a Vigil for the Deceased at 7:45pm. Interment will be in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery immediately following Mass. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jay’s memory to East Petersburg Fire Company 6076 Pine St. East Petersburg, PA 17520 or to The Four Diamonds Fund P.O. Box 852 Hershey, PA 17033. To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 717-560-5100

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Karla & Family,

I just learned of your family’s loss and am so sorry. Though I have not seen you, Karla, since high school, please know that your family and you are in my thoughts and prayers. Through the strength and peace of God, may you find a way to get through this difficult time.
Sincerely,

Kasey Crawford Kellem

John, Karla & Family,
     Words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sam & Leslie Eby

John, Karla and Family,
We were so sorry to learn of your terrible loss.  Please know that our heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with you.  He will always be with you.

Peace,
Nancy Fitzmaurice Walsh, Mary Grace, Jonathan & Allie

To the Jacunski family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Though I never had the chance to get to know Jay, his story has made a huge impact on my life. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

John, Karla, Alyssa, AJ and Michael:  Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time.  We know that God had a bigger plan for Jay and that Grandpa Jim met him at the gate on Wednesday afternoon to take his hand.  He’ll now be able to watch over all of you as you so lovingly watched over him for 16 years

Our deepest sympathies are with you,
The Titteringtons

Dear Carla, John, Alyssa, Michael and AJ,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.  May God grant you moments of peace and may your faith help you navigate this new life.  You will remain in our prayers.
with love and deep sorrow,
Tracy, Jeff, Joe, Grace, and Rose Kirchner

I wish I could make this go away. Jay Set the bar high for himself and got others to push themselves. He is an Inspiration for everyone that knew him.
He always had the best one-liners. I miss him already. I cannot believe he . is gone. God blessed us with his prescence it was a short time. (no pun intended)God needed him for something special and we will see him whole again.
He is with god. With a heart and spirit like his god is blessed to have him.

Our thoughts and prayers are with your Family at this difficult time.

Sal Grimaldi and Family.

we are terribly sorry for your loss and send you our most sincere, love filled condolences. we join your family in prayer during this grieving period. we love you and may god bless you abundantly.

salina, regina, debbie,and larry bowe

john, carla & family, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. we did not know jason but from what i have read about him i wish i did know him. we both shared a love of the fire service. i wish there were something i could say to bring comfort to your family, but there are no words. our family went through a similar loss, its not easy. 

bill,rena, & dan jacunski

Dear ones,
     You do not know me, but I feel I have to let you know how your family impacted my daughter, Betsy.  She is a third year medical student at Hershey Medical Center and had the honor of spending some of Jay’s last days with you and him.  She would call me every day she saw him and tell me how amazing you all were.  It even made her realize how much she is loved by us-her own parents.  She told me again and again that she is a better person and will be a better doctor because of having you and Jay in her life.  Please know that Jay mattered and even though Betsy only knew him a few days and I only knew him "second-hand" he will be remembered even in our hearts.  I cannot imagine how much the people that knew him best will miss him.  I pray that our Lord grant you peace and comfort at this time.             

Janelle Sensenig

John:

I am deeply saddened by your loss.  Jay sounds like he was a wonderful and kind person, and it is tragic and incomprehensible that his life was so short.  I hope that you, Karla and your children can reflect on the good times you had as a family with Jay and that as a family, you can draw strength from one another and from the support of your many friends as you move ahead through this sad and difficult time.  Carolyn and I will have Jay and your family in our thoughts and prayers over the weeks and months ahead.

With friendship, hope and respect,
Jeffrey Salzman  

We were all deeply touched and saddened to hear about your son Jay’s passing.
Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer.  May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.
We offer our deepest sympathy for your loss.
CFBU Gernsbach

John and Family,
Please accept my most sincere condolences on the loss of your son. My prayers are with you and your entire family…God bless all of you.

Ned Bauhof

Dear Karla and John,
We have read Jay’s condolences almost daily, remembering the sweet and lovable kid next door that we missed terribly.  Kurt and I cannot fathom your sorrow and can only wish that each day brings a little more peace and calm to the pain and loss  you must feel.  I hope we can visit and talk soon once the craziness settles and you both have time.  We love you.  We have always missed you and we hope Jay is resting, without any further suffering. 
Kurt and Deb
Dan, Andrew, and Matthew       

He & you are in our prayers.

craig, Kathy, Adrianne, & Gene Nissley

The 2009 season was a tough season to swallow. Former Cougar Coach Rob Umble stepped away from a game and team on the first day of pre-season. Many players lacked focus and discipline. And furthermore the team said goodbye to 13 seniors that were stripped of their certain post-season experience due to the program’s operation.
Aside from the victory vs. MT on our home tuff, another memory that balances Spring 2009 is the JV midfield line of Nick Schmalhofer(#12, 6’4″), Andrew Westwood(#14, 6’1″) and Jay Jacunski(#4, 5’2″) also known as the “Biggie Smalls Line.”

Practice after practice and competition after competition, it’s truly rewarding to observe student-athlete development over the course of the season. But not only did this line impress our staff with their growing passion, skills and strategy for lacrosse, this line was considerably entertaining. From ninja-like acrobatics off the face-off and wing lines to body leveling checks and picks, these young gentlemen couldn’t have played harder for themselves or their teammates. A play that stands out in my mind was a transition up to offense where Jay was clearing the ball in front of our bench close to midfield. Moving as swiftly as he could, #4 put his stick in the outside hand as he prepared for a monstrous hit that would have projected him 10 feet out of bounds. Concerned I almost called a timeout until #12 (highly recruited LCH football all-star trying lacrosse for his first season) stormed over to the sideline setting a wall of a pick where the perusing opponent had no chance of connecting with Jay as he was the one that landed 10 feet out of bounds. Jay continued upfield for a shot on net. Finally changing the lines after a few minutes of play, smiles ran ear to ear on all of their faces as the rest of the team praised the boys’ efforts.

Thank you for the opportunity to recall and share one of my cherished memories of such a courageous individual. Although the loss and pain is severe, our program, team and athletes extend our sticks, hearts and sympathy to the Jacunski Family and to all parties touched by Jay’s presence during his lifetime. A close peer and player described Jay as “an awesome teammate who had the ability to boost spirits both on and off the field.” His energy and swagger will be missed by many, especially poolside and on the Cougar bench. Just prior to stepping onto the JV field or after a JV goal, we typically chant “2 HARD COUGARS” to motivate ourselves for the next 2 minutes of play. In honor of Jay, we will be replacing the “2” with his jersey number “4” for the upcoming 2011 season to play with his everlasting strength.  

Coach John Emig
Lancaster Country Day School
Cougar Lacrosse

We were deeply distressed to hear of the death of your son.
Please let us take this opportunity to express our sincere condolences.
All of us at Glatfelter would like to convey our sincere sympathy also to your family.
In this hard moment we feel the deep grief and the great loss you and your family have suffered. 
We know that nobody can ease the pains and that it is difficult to find consolation.
But we know that your many good memories will help you to get through the grief of the coming days.
Please be assured that all of us stand at yours and your family’s side in this painful moment.
If there is anything we can do to help, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Sincerely GLT Falkenhagen Team

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Jacunski family during this difficult time.  May you find comfort from the memories of your son and brother, and the eternal salvation granted us by our loving God.

Dan Fuhrman

We are so sorry to hear of Jay’s passing.  Paul has been keeping us informed of his brave fight and your faith and strength.  It is always an inspiration to hear of such love of family,  In whatever small way we can offer any assistance or comfort, we are here for you and for Paul.

Ted and Irene Ohl, Barbara Pook, Tony Diemont, and
Everyone at Pook Diemont & Ohl, Inc.

John,
my very deepest sympathy to you and your family upon your loss.

Clare (O’Brien)

Kelly,
We were so sorry to hear of Jay’s passing.
We always enjoyed stopping in the store to visit with him.
He had a great sense of humor. Every time we go past where the store had been we think of him. He will be greatly missed.
                                          
Our Condolences,
The Gaul’s
Frank Jr, Marcia, & Frank III

I fondly remember the gatherings at your home in Macedonia. Specifically, hiding out in the yard and playing with Jay and the rest of the kids.
I’m praying that God gives you whatever you need to help deal with this tragedy.

Matt Worster

May God bless Jay and keep him close, and give you, his family, strength. We are very sorry.

We are very sorry for your loss and you have our sincerest sympathies.

Rest easy brother
Your brothers from Rohrerstown Fire

John & Karla,
    My wife joins me in conveying our deepest condolences to you at this very difficult time. Our thoughts have been with you over the past several months and are certainly with you now. We know you will rise to the challenge of embracing the future with the knowledge that Jay is now at peace and not in pain. We hope you will take inspiration in the coming months and years from his brave and courageous attitude. We are sure that your three other children will be a great comfort to you at this time and hope that you will cherish all the years you have had together as a family and will draw together closer in the future as you experience the joys and events that cement a family’s bonds. Kindest regards,
           
Robert Hall

Dear John and Carla,

I am so very sorry to learn that Jason has lost his courageous battle with cancer. I also, can’t begin to understand the sorrow and pain you and your entire family are dealing with at this time.

Please just know that you and Jason are in my thoughts and prayers and will be for some time.

Also, if there is anything that I could be of help with as you work though the next couple of days please just give me a shout. (Michael.Gillig@citizensbank.com or 717 497-6682 (cell) or 717 755-8561 (home).

Sincerely,
Mike Gillig

Dear Family
We are very sad today, learning about the very difficult moments you are facing right now.
All the Glatfelter Scaer Team members are gathered and pray for the memory of Jay.
We think of you, we support you,
The Glatfelter Scaer People,

John and Karla,
I am a close runner friend of Mary Lekan. We share many runs together, and she kept me posted on your difficult situation. Being parents of two grown boys, we can’t imagine the hurt. Please know that others are thinking of you, and hope you both weather the storm and "Jay" finds a special place in heaven.

Stay Strong,
Dale Sherry-Amherst, Ohio

My thoughts and prayers are with your family.  Jay touched my life through firefighting.  As junior advisor for Columbia Consolidated I had the opportunity to watch Jay in action.  I also had the pleasure of being in 3 classes with him.  Jay was an inspiration to me.  He had so much energy and drive.  Despite his short stature nothing held him back.  He was right in there doing everything with the other juniors and never thought twice about actively participating and helping others.  Nothing seemed to hard for him and he picked up on all the training with ease. 

Although I did not know him that well he stuck in my mind and I will never forget him.  He was one of the best firefighters I have ever met.  I know there are no fires in Heaven, but I’m sure God is using this hero for something great.  Thank you for sharing your precious one with us.  He was a part of my firefighter family and I will always remember my that spunky little kid I always watched and enjoyed.

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. What an extraordinary young man your son was. May you find comfort in your memories and knowing he is no longer suffering.  That he is now an angel looking down on you all and smiling.

John, Karla, Alyssa, Michael and A.J.
Grandpa and I are so very sorry for your loss.  Jay was a sweetie and will really be missed.  I am glad he is free of his pain.  He suffered alot and the good Lord took him to make him whole once again.  Take care.

Love
Grandma and Grandpa J.

Our condolences to the Jacunski family, Jay will greatly be missed by all of us, especially Mason, Jay was his buddy. He always had a smile and made everyone laugh! God Bless.

The Howard family,Doug,Tiff,Keisha,Mason and Preston.

I knew Jay, and and alot of good times with him. He was an amazing guy, and I’m gonna miss him.I’m glad I knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, and I’m sorry for your loss.

Brandon J.

We are so deeply sorry for the loss of your young son and brother. It must be the most difficult thing anyone can experience to lose a family member, especially a child, who is just a teenager. We pray God will comfort your family in this bereavement and pray for Jay’s soul. May He rest in peace in the presence of the Holy Trinity.

Ginny and Bob Anspach

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.

Ever since I met Jay in freshman year I witness that he was a little guy, but I also realize that he had so much spirit in him and so much fight. I didn’t really start to talk to him everyday until sophomore year because I didn’t see him as much freshman, but sophomore was a blast. He always knew how to make geometry class an event that no one can miss. Whenever I heard him speak I always told him that he had the deepest voice I ever heard, and at football games he was our base of the group. Jay was so energetic and I could see through his eyes that he would do anything that was on his mind. I would always and forever keep Jay in my heart and he will always be a member of the  LCHS Class of 2012. To the Jacunski family you guys have a great juggler and angel watching down on you and as everyone else.
                                                                
Thank you,
Jose Manuel Rodriguez

Karla and the entire Jacunski Family,we are so sorry for your loss.We will always remember all the years Terry played Crusader Midget football with Jay.Karla,you are especially in my thoughts and prayers.Jay was a dear boy and will be sorely missed especially by Terry,his fellow Packers fan.God bless all of you.

Love
Tracy,Mark,Alex,Terry, and Jarrod Gagnon.

Jay was a great person to be around he always made everyone smile around the fire house he always let my two year daughter wear his hats which was very cute to see he would call my daughter little Jess because it was easy for him to remember. I will miss him a lot he was just the funniest person to be around and will always be on my mine and never forgotten love ya jay rip brother. To the family I am sorry for your lost of a wonderful son he will always be with you.

John, Karla, and Family,

We are so sorry for your loss.  I cannot imagine what you have been going through.  You will certainly be in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Jill, Jim, Jamie, and Jennifer Marlow

John and Karla,

You are in my thoughts and prayers as words cannot express what you are going through. I pray that God grants you and all of Jay’s loved ones peace as He welcomes Jay into his kingdom of heaven.  I immediately thought of Karla’s father (who I knew and was called at a young age) being there for Jay and welcoming him.  May God grant you the strength to persevere until you are reunited with your son.

Joe and Amy Bettinger
Register, GA

John, Carla, Alyssa, Michael and A.J.,

We were deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Jay.  The premature loss of a loved one is one of those extremely rare occasions where words are inadequate to appropriately convey the sorrow and sympathy  that is felt but, words are all that we have to take your ache away.  So, here is some pain medicine: Love, true love, endures forever. The bond that you all shared with Jay will never fade and can never be broken. It will always be present and strong like your faith in God and love for one another.    

May God give Jay and you all, peace.

We love you, God loves you more.  May he continue to bless you and keep you, and you to find comfort in him.

Thomas and Angel Jackson

So sorry to learn about Jay’s passing.  Your family is in our thoughts and prayers always.

  The Kessler Family

I am so sorry to hear about jason, my prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

Kristen Sauder-Miller, MAW Wish Granter

To the entire Jacunski family,
please know that we are thinking of and praying for you to find the necessary strength to get through this very difficult time.
Most sincerely,
the Linkey Family

John and Family:

Please accept my most sincere condolences on the loss of your son. I hope you find comfort in your faith and in the company of friends and family. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely
Brian Vesey

Your son must have been an amazing young man – based upon the comments here and on his support page on Facebook. I never had the opportunity to meet him, but I wish I had. 

May God watch over the family as you deal with this difficult time.

Dear John and Karla,
     Words fail us at these moments,our prayers are with you and your entire family…God bless all of you!

Dan and Lisa Quinlivan

John, Karla, Alyssa, Michael and AJ- 
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Know that your faith, family and friends will lift you up in this difficult time.

Our deepest sympathy-
Bret and June Wise

Jay was one amazing kid. It’s hard to believe he’s not here anymore. He will truly be missed. Jay, you always had some way to make me laugh or smile on my worst days in religion class last year. All the silly things you said, I will never forget. You’ll always be in my heart and prayers, as well as your family. You touched the lives of a lot of people, and you will never be forgotten. May angels lead you in. Rest Easy Jay.
Love you forever and always,
Theresa

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