Dr. Jerrold T. Jacob

Dr. Jerrold Jacob of Livingston, NJ passed away peacefully at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy defined not by titles or accolades, but by love, devotion, and quiet strength.

Born in Newark NJ, he lived a life centered on what mattered most to him: family. Born to Dorothy and Rudolph Jacob, and brother of loving sisters Lori Bender and Marilyn Dietzius, he was the devoted husband of Diane Jacob, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage, built on loyalty, consistency, and deep love. Together, they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering support.

He was a proud and loving father to Brian, Gregg, Alan, and Samantha, father-in-law to Erika, Deborah, Manuella, and Marshall, and a cherished grandfather to Aiden, Talia, Reese, Asher, Daniella, Mia, Aviva, Juliette, Noa, and Arielle. His relationships with each of them were unique, meaningful, and lasting. He showed his love not through grand gestures, but through presence, dependability, the creation of traditions, and understanding.

He served as a Captain in the US Army in Fort Hood, Texas and Fort Dix, NJ from 1972-1973, practicing dentistry, where he developed a skill for empathy in the most challenging situations. Professionally, he served thousands in his community as a dedicated and respected dentist in Belleville, NJ. He was profoundly loved and admired by all of his many friends and associates throughout his life for his genuine heartfelt interest in all of their needs or concerns, above his own. Personally, he was known for his steadiness, thoughtfulness, and integrity. He was a marathon runner, a devoted New York Giants fan who hosted decades of tailgates and games, a cyclist, a wine connoisseur, and he loved his NY Times crossword puzzles and daily Wordle and most recently Words with Friends.

He was an excellent golfer, once achieving a 10 handicap. Later in life, he made the simple but powerful decision to walk away from the game when it no longer brought him joy. In doing so, he taught his family one of his greatest lessons: that life is too short to hold onto things that no longer fill you up. Joy always came first.

He was also a passionate cook and griller. In his kitchen, every ingredient mattered. Helping was never allowed. His stove and grill were guarded like a goal line. His grandchildren especially treasured his legendary pasta nights, where dinner was served the moment it came out of the water. Summers in Long Beach Island, perhaps his greatest legacy, were marked by a week of his unforgettable meals: rib night, burger night, seafood night, pasta night, and treasured runs to Mario’s in LBI for ingredients.

He was a rock to his family. A constant but quiet source of strength. A model for how to love, how to show up, hold space, and how to care for others. He taught his children and grandchildren not through lectures, but by example, choosing family, consistency, humility, and kindness every day.

He understood, even without saying it, that life is fragile. He lived in a way that reminded those around him to cherish the meals, the laughter, the conversations, and the routines that make up a life well lived.

He leaves behind a family who will carry him forward in every pasta night, every grill fired up, every Giants and Yankee game watched together, and every choice to put joy and family first. He will be missed beyond words and remembered always for the life he lived, the love he gave, and the lessons he taught simply by being himself.

May his memory be a blessing.

Family and friends are invited to a gathering at the Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, located at 68 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, New Jersey, on February 8, 2026. The family will receive guests from 10:15 am to 10:45 am, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am.

The funeral service will be available via live stream at the following (https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/119857/hash:1212AACA8F6F4046).

Entombment will take place at Beth Israel Cemetery, 1098 Woodbridge Center Drive, Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, at 12:45 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, Daughters of Israel or the Jewish Federation of Greater Metrowest NJ.