Jacob Piekarski, Escaped From Nazis In Poland, Dies At 96

Courtesy of Bloomfield Cooper Jewish Chapel:

Jacob Piekarski, of Spring Lake Heights, passed away at home after a long illness. He was 96 years young.

Jake’s journey began as a teenager escaping from the Nazis in Poland, where the rest of his family lost their lives in the Holocaust. From Poland to Russia to Germany and finally to St. Louis, Jake began his American excellent adventure.

Working as a busboy in a guesthouse in Belmar, he wooed and married his wife Naomi. He went on to live at the shore, running an upholstery business with the slogan, “Old World Craftsmanship”. He should have called it “Old World Charm”. He could sell the proverbial snowballs to Eskimos. Jake made friends wherever he went from his Spring Lake clients to the waitress at Vic’s Pizza to the ticket taker at the race track.

Jake had a story and a handshake and a piece of candy for all. A Mets, Giants, and Ranger fanatic, two dollar to win racetrack railbird, a drop of a hat singer and dancer and a suit jacket challenged guy, Jake lived his life with a smile and optimism we can all emulate.

Jake is survived by his wife of 64 years, Naomi (nee Stiskin) Piekarski, his son Len Piekarski and his wife Francine of Wayside; his daughter Esther Lysaght and her husband Terry of Shark River Hills; and his son Bernie Piekarski and his wife Shiann of Apopka, Florida; and grandchildren Adam, Amy, Bridget, Jessica, Shaina and Lauren, four beautiful great grandsons, his caregiver Catherine David and friends too numerous to list.

So put on some Sinatra and raise a glass to a great pal, Jake Piekarski.

Funeral services will be held at Bloomfield Cooper Jewish Chapel, Ocean Township NJ at 11:00 on Friday, February 6, 2015. For information go to bloomfieldcooperocean.com.