Barry A. Jacobson

Barry A. Jacobson, 82, of Oceanport, passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Jersey Shore University Hospital. Barry was born in Plainfield, NJ, and was raised, with his sister Beverly, by the late Sam and Lee Jacobson (nee Monti). He graduated from Plainfield High School and Eastern Illinois University, where he participated in both football and baseball. He worked as an educator and administrator at Monmouth Regional High School for 38 years, retiring in 2002. During his tenure, “Jake” served as football coach, tennis coach and golf coach for the school.  

Barry met the late Barbara Jacobson (nee Evans) at MRHS and they married in 1967. They moved to Oceanport, where they raised their children, Gregory and Lauren, and made their home. Barry was the recreation director in the town in the 1970s, supervising the summer rec program, Saturday morning open gyms and the annual Easter Egg Hunts. He took great pride in caring for their property, where he lived until his passing. He enjoyed the life he created near the water, spending time at the beach, boating and crabbing in the Shrewsbury River and catching stripped bass under the Atlantic Highlands Bridge. Two of his special talents were his ability to cook from scratch and to play the piano by ear. He was also a lifelong fan of the New York Football Giants.
Barry’s life after retirement centered around his relationship with his partner, companion, “best buddy” Vicki Smith, with whom he shared many interests. Many good times were shared with Vicki and her family, including vacations, trips to the Collingwood Auction and Florida for the winter. 

Barry was a loving and generous grandfather – “Papa Jake” to Briana, Benjamin and Samantha and Diego. He was predeceased by his parents, Sam and Lee Jacobson, and his wife Barbara. Surviving are his children, Gregory, and his wife Lisa, Lauren Jacobson Borja, and her husband Santiago, and 4 grandchildren, Briana, Benjamin, Samantha and Diego. He is also survived by his partner Vicki Smith and her family, sister Beverly, and her husband Richard Desrochers of Flanders, NJ.  

The family will receive friends Sunday, December 17th, 1pm to 4pm at the Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Ave, Long Branch, NJ. A Mass will be offered Monday, December 18th 2pm at Holy Trinity Church, 408 Prospect Street, Long Branch, NJ.  Repast to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Barry’s memory to Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.

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