Fairport: Paul passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at The Baptist Home in Fairport, New York after a courageous battle against cancer.
Paul was born in Waterloo, NY on February 27, 1942, to Ruth and Dana Jacoby. He attended Mynderse Academy in Seneca Falls where he excelled at sports. At Ithaca College, he studied Physical Education, played football, and competed in gymnastics and track & field. Paul’s other passion was music: he played trombone for the SMS band in Seneca Falls and for impromptu “gigs” with the Ithaca Music majors, and was the band leader for the Fairport Fire Department for many years. Paul earned his Masters Degree in Education from SUNY Brockport in 1984.
It was at IC where Paul met the love of his life, Jean Warren. They were crowned the Sweetheart’s Ball King and Oueen in 1962 and married in 1965. Paul and Jean raised 4 children in Fairport, NY, where he taught and coached for 32 years. He coached boy’s Track & Field, girl’s and boy’s Gymnastics, and was an assistant with the Fairport HS Football organization. Paul’s coaching achievements include many division, county, Section V, and NYS titles. In addition, Paul was recently named to the
Section V Track & Field Hall of Fame. Coach Jacoby was a gifted educator with a motivating teaching style that inspired students and athletes to do their best. His passion for the Red Raiders was contagious and his student athletes always rose to the occasion to perform and succeed.
As a father, Paul encouraged his children to strive for excellence in academics, athletics, and life. He will be remembered as a genuine, caring, selfless dad and will be sorely missed. Paul’s life lessons will be carried forward by his children and grandchildren.
Paul’s spirit lives on. He is survived by his wife, Jean Jacoby; his brother, James Jaccby in Auburn, NY; daughter Jennifer Jaccby-Yeh (Christopher) and their children Caroline, Madeline, and Katherine in San Mateo, CA; daughter Kristin Yusko (Dave) and their children Emma, Mason, Liam, and Delaney in Fairport; son Erik Jacoby (Debbie) and their daughter Hannah in Farmington, NY; daughter Dawn Lucas (Andy) and their children Johnathan and Joshua in Misenheimer, NC; and ten nieces
and nephews. He is also survived by ‘Sadie’, his beloved yellow lab.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Lipson Cancer & Blood Center Rochester General Hospital, 1425 Portland Ave., Rochester, NY 14621, or to Fairport Football Alumni Association c/o Don Santini, 90 Potter Pl., Fairport, NY 14450.
The family will be present to receive friends from 4-8 pm, Friday, October 18, 2013, at Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Rd., Fairport, NY. Funeral Service will be at 11 am, Saturday, October 19, 2013, First Congregational United Church of Christ. 26 E. Church Street, Fairport, NY. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery, 1975 Baird Road, Penfield, NY, will be at 1:30 pm, Saturday, October 19, 2013.
Comments
5 responses to “Jacoby, Coach Paul “Jake””
Coach Jacoby was the best gymnastics coach we ever had. 1977. Because of his involvement in Fairport gymnastics, I have many fond memories. He was one of my favorite teachers. He also gave me my first job, teaching gymnastics. He will be missed, but close to many hearts.
I had the honor of being a part of some great track and field teams that Coach Jacoby developed in the late 70’s at Fairport. He inspired many to do their best, to be responsible and to “Get the job done”. His lessons in P.E. and with his teams were lessons in life. Later, I had the privilege of coaching with “Jake” through the 80’s and 90’s. He was a mentor and a good friend. I will always remember his humor and his laughter. He touched so many around him.
I had the pleasure to know Coach Jacoby through my Minerva Deland P.E days and through my time with him on varsity track. I too am now a Varsity Track Coach and had the honor of letting Coach know he had made it into the Section V Track and Field Hall of Fame. Coach never stopped being a coach. Occasionally you might see him out to dinner with his lovely wife, he loved to take the time and see how you were doing and give you a friendly word of advice. He had that rye smile that would come out when you shared an Ah ha moment. I will always remember Coach as a hard working family man that coached with and taught, honor and respect!
Thanks Coach!!!!!!!!!!!! God Bless!!!
Dan Graf
Fond memories of a tough, honest, and warm hearted coach and teacher. Thanks coach Jake for being a brick in my wall of life…RIP
Having had the great opportunity to run for Coach Jacoby was something I will never forget … Something’s I will alway remember:
1. All my opponents no matter how great they were put their pants on just like I did … “one leg at a time”
2. “It’s time to get out on the dance floor boys”
3. (In a booming voice) “Sometimes you just have to go out there and … ” (pause to look left and them right … Then in a quieter voice but bulging eyes) “kick some —”
He was the master motivator – thanks Coach!
Mike