SHARE

‘Bright Spot In A Dark World:’ Beloved Hunterdon County HS Grad Dies After Cancer Battle, 19

Hunterdon County is mourning the loss of a recent high school graduate following a valiant battle with cancer.

Jacob Wassel

Jacob Wassel

Photo Credit: GoFundMe (Campaign: Support For the Family of Jake Wassel)

Jacob Ryan Wassel died at his Raritan Township home in the loving embrace of his family on Wednesday, Oct. 11, his obituary says. He was 19.

Born in Royal Oak, MI, Jacob was known for launching the Esports gaming club at Hunterdon Central Regional High School, where he graduated in 2022. He loved playing video games online with both local friends and others all over the country.

Jacob was also incredibly patriotic and hoped to use his vast knowledge of military history to enlist and serve his country in the future, his memorial says.

His creative side shined through his love of music. He was a skilled guitarist and a fan of Avenged Sevenfold.

Jacob is survived by his beloved parents, Jeffrey Adam Wassel and Lisa Jane Wassel; his sister, Jenna Rose Wassel; his maternal grandparents, Dollie and Stephen Mowrer; paternal grandmother, Patricia Wassel; and many close friends.

Meanwhile, more than $4,700 had been raised on a GoFundMe launched by a friends for Jacob’s final expenses and cancer research charities.

“Jake was one of the kindest people I have ever met, going through life every day smiling and optimistic despite his situation,” reads the campaign. “He lit up the room around him every single time and never failed to make all of us laugh.”

Jacob’s memorial was held at the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home in Flemington on Saturday, Oct. 21.

Donations were also being made in Jacob’s loving memory to the Wounded Warrior Project (PO BOX 758516, Topeka, KS 66675).

“He was a beautiful soul and one that the world will miss,” reads the fundraiser. “He was only 19. Jake was truly a bright spot in a dark world who deserved so much more than what life gave him.”

“The profits of this GoFundMe will be solely sent to Jake's family, to help relieve both the pain that anyone close to Jake is feeling at the moment and to aid in any other aspect of the difficult time Jake was enduring…as well as portions being sent to cancer research and charity.”

Click here to view/donate to ‘Support For the Family of Jake Wassel’ on GoFundMe.

“Everything helps. We love you Jake.”

to follow Daily Voice Highland Lakes-Vernon and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE