Our dearest and beloved brother, son, and friend Jacob “Jake” Najarian was called home by God on July 15th, 2026.

He is deeply loved and grieved by his sister, Abigail Najarian and Ruddy Tatis, who is not only a longtime friend, but essentially a brother-in-law to Jacob, father Robert Najarian, mother Laurie Najarian, grandmother Dollie Warren and step-grandmother Ann Auger. He is survived by many loving aunts and uncles, including aunts Renee Najarian and Kerri Mansberg, aunt and uncle Dee and Dan Cunningham, aunt and uncle Karen and John Aharonian, as well as many beloved cousins, extended family and chosen family from his community. He was preceded in death by his late grandparents, Ronald and Pauline Cunningham, and Robert Najarian Sr. and late step-grandfather Steve Maleszyk.

He was a treasured member of his community and lived an admirable life of service to others. Born in Seoul, South Korea, he was originally raised in North Andover, MA and the North Shore of Boston. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2015, where he made everlasting friendships and connections. During his time there, he found his love for God and the peace that came with living a selfless, honest life of service. He cared deeply about making a lasting impact on the world and his community. He embodied this value by leading a life and a career that would benefit those around him and those in need.

His legacy lives on at the University of Connecticut in the department of Community Outreach where he touched many lives. He mentored and molded graduate assistants, undergrad student leaders, and hundreds of student volunteers as they worked with young children at local early childhood centers, where they supported and promoted early language and literacy development. Together, they participated in thousands of hours of community service each year. His dedication to fostering leadership between UConn students and the community was demonstrated by initiating and managing Community Service days, Day of Caring, an alternative spring break week of service, and other programs with the purpose of giving, such as the Preschool Book Pals Program where his love for learning and giving came together.

Aside from all those he touched in his everyday life, his commitment to and faith in God was evident through his dedication to the local Crossroads 4 Christ young adult group. He was a servant team leader for over two years in C4C, where he spread his love, joy and adoration to all those who had the pleasure of meeting him. He shared his love and patience and kindness to not just his local Greater Hartford Chapter, but to young adults all across Connecticut by attending spiritual retreats, gatherings for community service, and many more acts of selflessness. He contributed to countless acts of charity and service, especially around the holidays when Love and Joy were tangible in the air.

Jake was only a phone call away to those who needed his gentle reassurance or offers of wisdom. He loved a good pick-up game of basketball, frisbee, or soccer with friends. He could be found enjoying solo time gaming on his Nintendo Switch or going out to eat with a big group of friends. He treasured weekly phone calls with his sister, and spending time with family during holiday gatherings. He was first to offer to say grace at Christmas dinner and could always be found afterwards doing the dishes with his sister.

Loved ones knew him as a “beacon of love”, someone who they could depend on for words of guidance, offers of assistance, and acts of everyday honor, integrity, and kindness. The form of selfless love that he gave to others was rare and pure and will be truly missed and grieved. We take solace knowing he is in the hands of his truest friend and Father, God Almighty, and has found his eternal peace.

Any and all who knew and loved Jake are invited to honor his memory on Monday, July 27th for calling hours from 9am-11am at Holmes and Watkins Funeral Home located 400 Main Street in Manchester, CT, followed by a Funeral Mass from 11:30am-12:30pm at St. James Church located at 896 Main Street in Manchester, CT. There will be a private burial for family and close friends following Mass. We look forward to meeting all who were touched by Jake’s kind soul and gentle heart. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish at the following link: https://saintteresacatholic.org/donate. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com