Obituary of Jay M. Chabrak

South Plainfield – Jay M. Chabrak, 51, devoted husband and father died suddenly at his home on April 17, 2020. A lifelong resident of South Plainfield, Jay was a star athlete in his younger years. A 1986 graduate of South Plainfield High School, Jay graduated from the University of Kentucky where he earned a walk-on spot on their football team. After recovering from a career ending knee injury, Jay joined the Peace Corps for two years. He was responsible for building a schoolhouse in the village of Akam-Esatouk in Gabon, Africa. Since his return, Jay has worked as a systems analyst with Household Finance, HSBC Bank, UBS, and most recently with CapCo. He was a well-known smiling face around South Plainfield as a volunteer coach for recreation sports and a member of the Italian American Club golf league. In 2001, Jay married his best friend, Lori Dress Chabrak. He was predeceased by a son, Jay Michael Chabrak, Jr. in 2004. Jay is survived by his wife and two children, John and Lucy Chabrak, of South Plainfield. Jay instilled life lessons, good character, sportsmanship, a sense of adventure, and the importance of hard work in both of his children. Predeceased by his father, Theodore Chabrak, Jay is also survived by his mother, Joan (Oskay) Chabrak, two siblings, Amy Thievon and husband Paul of Middlesex, NJ, and Doug Chabrak and wife Alease, of Branchburg, NJ. He will also be remembered as the fun uncle by his nieces and nephews, Alexandra and Nicholas Chabrak, Alexa and Nicholas Thievon, Noah and Ryan Fritz, Emma and Anthony Ferraro, and River and Caylee Dress. Jay leaves behind an army of friends, new and old, who loved him dearly. A memorial gathering will be held at a later date.