Hampton Bays Native Lost To Lyme Disease Complications At 51

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — The community is mourning the loss of a well-loved local commercial fisherman originally from Hampton Bays who touched countless lives.

A GoFundMe page, "In Memory of Charles Jakubauskas," was created by April Jakubauskas and is rich with memories and sorrow.

"Eight years ago I called my cousin Charles for help. My first floor patio was overrun with rats. He'd told me a few funny rodent stories of living by the water in the Hamptons — once a rat fell on his face from the ceiling fan while he slept — so I thought he might have some insight. 'You got all those rats in that ivy outside. I'll be there tomorrow to clear it out,' he said. Then he finished with a kicker. 'Cousin, don't sleep with your mouth open,'" she wrote.

Heartfelt words painted a portrait of a man loved by many.

"That's who Charlie was to me, and many others I imagine," she said. "Comical, willing to share stories about himself that instantly made you feel calm, and available to help."

Charlie Jak, she added, "may have been that guy to you. The one who helped at a moment's notice. Or maybe he gave you a clean fade at our family's longstanding barbershop Choppin' Charlie's in Sag Harbor (previously Southampton), where at times he worked alongside his grandfather, mother, father, and sister. Or maybe he was the tough athlete you grew up with in Hampton Bays that inspired you to play a little harder. Having grown up in Hampton Bays he basically knew everyone in town. He was an exceedingly talented guy that was far too funny, and loved by many."

On Dec. 22 at 12:04 p.m., his cousin wrote, "Charlie was taken too soon from us all. He passed away from heart failure due to Lyme disease complications. He was 51 years young," and is survived by his son, Charles Jr., father, Joseph, and sister and best friend, she said.

Charles loved the ocean, a commercial fisherman for 10 years, so the family is following his wishes and having a cremation. A memorial will take place later this year at his father's house in Hampton Bays.

"Funds are being raised to offer necessary support to the family at this empty moment — to find ways to laugh through the hard, the way he would have wanted it," she said.

To donate, click here.

Note: Patch is a GoFundMe promotional partner.

Photo courtesy GoFundMe.