Deacon “Jake” is a native of Wisconsin, born and raised in Madison.  He graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, where he met his wife Mary.  Upon graduation, he joined Merrill Lynch in Chicago, where they lived for 10 years before being transferred to the East Coast. 

Jake and Mary joined Mary, Mother of God Parish when they arrived here in 1981 and raised their children in Hillsborough.  He worked for Merrill Lynch for another 25 years in New York and New Jersey, before taking an early retirement package halfway through his Diaconate Formation program.  Bishop Paul Bootkoski ordained Jake a Deacon for the Diocese of Metuchen in June 2010, and he is delighted to be assigned to his home parish. Jake also continues working as a Realtor in Hillsborough. 

Mary and Jake have three adult children: Matthew, married to Robyn – Megan, married to Julian - and Melissa.  Jake was active in many ministries at Mary, Mother of God, before his ordination including, Lector and Eucharistic Minister; and was a member of the Pastoral Council, Building Committee, Worship Mini-Council, and Administration Mini-Council. Mary serves as a Extraordinary Minister, brings Communion to Nursing Homes and is a participant in the Adopt-a-Senior program.