Family and Friends Remember Jacob Vogelman
Jacob Vogelman, a 24-year-old Park Slope native who died on Monday on Ditmas Avenue with friend Jessie Streich-Kest, has received hundreds of tributes this week. His Facebook wall is full of mourners, commenters on this blog remember his life, the University of Buffalo community eulogized the distinguished alum and several media outlets interviewed his grieving family.
“When Jake told me he was going to Jessie’s house, I wasn’t happy about it,” Jacob’s mother Marcia Sikowitz told the BBC. “I said the storm is coming and you should stay home. Jake being Jake, whose always thinking about other people and taking care of people and is just a very sweet, optimistic, caring person … For him, his friend needed him. The only thing he was thinking about was being there for his friend so he went over to her house.”
She also offered a heart-wrenching account of her loss to The Daily Beast.
“Jake was a beautiful, sweet, loving, helpful, caring, considerate dude,” said Melanie Maria, a coworker at summer-long children’s theater camp. “He was known for bringing popsicles to the kids every day at 2:30pm. He was famous for wearing moon boots that made him 10 inches taller than what he really was. He was totally concerned about the children’s safety and our safety. Most of all, I will remember the neat little chats about life we had in the between times — eating breakfast, getting coffee, snacks, lunch and watching him wear those weird shoes that made him tall like a giant to all our kids. I will miss you, Jake. You were so happy the last time we talked.”
Melinda Lamoreux, clinical assistant professor of stage management at University of Buffalo where Jacob graduated cum laude, was among the many who praised his design work, in particular for a production of “The Cherry Orchard.”
“He caught me up on what he was doing,” said Melinda. “He was really happy to be in the city. His life deserves to be celebrated.”
Our thoughts are with Jacob’s, and Jessie’s, family and friends during this difficult time. Jacob’s family will sit Shiva at the home of Marcia Sikowitz, 443 1st Street, 3R, Park Slope. Shiva hours are Friday 2-5pm; Saturday 6-9pm; Sunday, Monday and Tuesday 10am-2pm and 5pm-8pm. Information about making donations to Learning Ally in Jacob’s name can be found here.