Obituary: Jay the Barber

Below obituary was submitted by the family:

PARK SLOPE – Jason (aka Jay) Melvin Santiago Laracuente, passed away in Brooklyn on Sunday, August 26th 2018, aged 36.

We will celebrate his life on Saturday, September 1st, 2018 at Las Rosas Funeral Home in Park Slope at 761 4th Avenue (between 25th & 26th Street) between 5 pm and 9 pm.

Jason was born on November 25, 1981, in Brooklyn, NY. As a child he spent some time living in Brooklyn, Milwaukee, and Puerto Rico; he eventually landed in Worcester, Massachusetts. He graduated from Burncoat High school.

Although his Grandma Connie wanted him to be a doctor because she loved his last name, he ultimately decided to become a doctor of hair. Jason practiced and mastered this craft at the expense of his brothers walking around with bald heads.

He decided to move back to New York at 18 years old and take his hair cutting profession to the next level. He worked under Ram as an apprentice at, “Celebs Barber Shop” and then found his home at “The Slope Barber” shop days before its doors opened, working under Nest. It was there that he took flight and quickly became known as “Jay the Barber”.

Jason had a passion for the arts; he was extremely creative. Whether he was drawing, dancing, making music or creating a masterpiece on someone’s head you could see how talented he was.

In 2005, Jason became a father for the first time, welcoming his son on August 6th – Jason Jovanni Santiago Laracuente. It was on that date that he was able to fulfill his grandmother’s dream because he transformed into Dr. Laracuente and delivered his son; literally. Jason was so proud to be a father and wanted everyone to know it, he expressed to anyone that would listen how much he loved him and how amazing he is.

He was the oldest brother of seven siblings and took this responsibility with great pride. He always made himself available for the family. Aside from his barber skills, Jason was known for his love of music, infectious smile, and generous heart. He had an amazing soul and will truly be missed.

Jason is survived by his son, Jay Jay, his father, Santiago Chago Laracuente and his step-mother Miriam Laracuente, his grandmother Consuelo Torres, his siblings, Josette Laracuente, Jonathan Laracuente, Joel Laracuente, Jeremy Laracuente, Melissa Laracuente, Vanessa Laracuente and Saviel Laracuente, and his nephews, Julius, Javien and Johan.

Visitation at the Las Rosas Funeral Home in Park Slope at 761 4th Avenue (between 25th & 26th Street) from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on September 1, 2018.