Services Set For Jake Honig, Who Fought Cancer, Inspired Change

HOWELL, NJ — He loved Chick Fil A and Wendy's Frostys. He took dance lessons with his sister and was named an honorary police officer.

But the biggest legacy that Jake "The Tank" Honig will leave behind is a change in New Jersey's medical marijuana laws to make life better for all those patients — adults and children — who are battling diseases that can be eased by its use.

Funeral services for Jake, who would have been 8 in March, are set for Thursday and Friday at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home in Freehold Township, according to the obituary released by the funeral home.

Jake was a huge Golden State Warriors fan and had met Steph Curry, his family said. In keeping with his love of the team, they are encouraging everyone attending the viewing and funeral to wear Golden State Warriors apparell or their colors, gold and blue.

"Feel free to get creative by wearing a jersey, hat, scarf or sweater, or dress up if you feel more comfortable while keeping with the theme," the family said.

Jake, who was born in New Brunswick and was a lifelong resident of Howell, was a second-grader at Land O’ Pines School and a huge hip-hop fan; he took dance lessons with his sister at New Movement Dance School. He loved playing PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, and Jake was a fantastic big brother; his sister was with him every step of the way through his illness.

The beautiful memories sustain his family as they deal with his passing, and they feel so grateful and blessed to have had him. This young man was an inspriration to all who knew or read about him.

He was known as The Tank because of the strength he showed during the years he fought cancer. An old soul with a positive spirit, he was beloved by his friends in the Howell Township Police Department,

Jake was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Arlindo DeAlmeida Jr. in 1995. Jake is survived by his loving and heartbroken parents, Michael and Janet Honig; his sister, Gianna Honig; his paternal grandparents, Tim and Sharon Honig of Old Bridge; his maternal grandmother, Ofelia DeAlmeida of Old Bridge; his paternal great-grandmother Josephine DeChiara of Queens, NY; his maternal great-grandparents, Arlindo and Nazara DeAlmeida of Jackson; his maternal great-grandmother, Odete Noguiera Cerca of Old Bridge; his godfather and uncle, Dan DeAlmeida and his wife, Stacey of Marlboro; his godmother and aunt, Stephanie DeAlmeida of Old Bridge; and his cousins, Sophia, Olivia and Alexa.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 11 a.m. funeral service on Friday, January 26, 2018 at the funeral home.

Everyone is encouraged to wear Golden State Warriors apparel or their team colors, gold and blue. Feel free to get creative by wearing a jersey, hat, scarf or sweater, or dress up if you feel more comfortable while keeping with the theme.

His family wishes to thank the community for their outpouring of support during his illness, and the doctors and nurses who helped him in his hard-fought battle.

For those who desire, memorial contribuitions in Jake’s memory may be made to the Frances Foundation for Kids Fighting Cancer, 8 Bryce Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733; Ashley Lauren Foundation, 309 Morris Avenue, Spring Lake, NJ 07712; Kick Cancer Overboard, 50 Atlantic Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740; The Believe Project, 4 Waycake Drive, Ocean, NJ 07712, or Squan-A-Thon, Manasquan High School, 167 Broad Street, Manasquan, NJ 08736.

For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com

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Photo provided by Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home