Jake Michael Stria, age 18 years, of Washington, NJ, died on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Bethlehem, PA.

Born at the Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ, October 4, 2001, son of Hannah Spence Stria and Ronald Stria, he was a lifelong resident of Washington. Currently a senior at Warren Hills Regional High School, Washington, NJ, Jake was set to graduate this coming spring.

An extremely diligent student, Jake will be most remembered as a truly kind-hearted and ‘Old Soul’ who was sensitive and thoughtful, and always put others first.

His smile was legendary and put people at ease instantaneously. It was one of the ways Jake created instant connections with everyone he met; there was never a stranger in Jake’s life as he made friends wherever he went.

Jake lived life by always trying something new, which was one of the things people admired about him. Jake simply always tried to make the most out of each day and loved to experience everything that life had to offer. He was currently very interested in finance and was aspiring to be a stockbroker. He was taking several classes on the subject matter in which he excelled rapidly, and planned on pursuing a major related to finance in college.

The kid who made his parents proud. Jake was more than a son. As his dad stated, “Jake’s light was a bright companion, and it was he, not me, who was the teacher.” He was also an amazing little brother to his sister, Jordyn, who happily recalls stereotypical big sister/little brother moments, always coupled with the knowledge that they were always there for one another.

With hard work and determination, Jake had many passions that he enjoyed pursing, including fishing, snowboarding, playing pool, and of course, ice hockey. Playing for various teams including the NJ Renegades and the Hunterdon Bears, his #91 will forever be remembered by his coaches, teammates and other players not only as a talent, but more so as a player who cared for others on and off the ice.

The writer Henry David Thoreau once said, “The language of friendship is not words but meanings.” Jake was a true friend in every sense to everyone. He understood that being there for others was part of being human, and death is not something that can ever break that relationship. Jake’s family encourages all reading this to be a friend to anyone, and by doing so, you keep Jake’s spirit alive in a world that desperately needs love and compassion. Simply put, Jake’s light will forever shine in the actions of his friends.

Jake was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Albert Spence, Sr.; his paternal grandfather, Hubert Stria; and his uncle, Albert Spence, Jr.

Surviving, in addition to his parents, Ron and Hannah, and his sister, Jordyn, are his paternal grandmother, Paula Stria; his maternal grandmother, Phyllis Spence; his aunts and uncles, Donna and Pat Cantarella and Debbie and Scott Peters; his cousins, Dakoda, Pat Jr., and Paul; his dog, Alli; several extended family members; and many, many cherished friends.

Jake will lie in repose in an open casket on Friday, February 28, 2020 from 1:00-8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ 08822.

PARKING: There will be clear signage on Route 31 along with police officers directing people where to park. ONLY those with special needs will have parking at the funeral home main parking pavilion. The neighboring lots of the funeral home have been kind enough to offer their lots for some parking, but we need to respect the businesses during their open hours.

Due to the expected high volume of attendance, everyone is encouraged to drive especially careful in the area of Route 31/Church Street and Hunterdon Central Regional High School and to use the shuttle bus when able. Please dress warmly and bring umbrellas if necessary. 

A shuttle bus will be running continuously from the Main Lot of Hunterdon Central Regional High School, 84  Route 31, Flemington, NJ 08822  (just north of the funeral home about 1/2 mile) from 3:00-8:00 p.m. (pick-up/drop-off will be by the front entrance to the main school building on Route 31/the vestibule will remain open for your comfort). Your cooperation and understanding is greatly appreciated by the family.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Rev. Guy Selvester will take place on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 200 Carlton Avenue, Washington, NJ 07882 under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home. Everyone is welcome and you are kindly asked to meet directly at the church on Saturday morning beginning at 10:45 a.m. Again, due to the anticipated crowds, please use caution in the area and obey all posted signs regarding parking.

Cremation followed by inurnment after the Mass in a local cemetery will be announced once finalized.

Please visit Jake’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a memorial candle, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

Those who wish to honor Jake are asked to make a gift in his honor via the GoFundMe page that was started by his close friends. As Jake was always helping and encouraging others, this fund, after final expenses, will be used to help fund those underprivileged youth who wish to participate in both athletic and scholastic endeavors. Please click HERE to be taken to the donation page. The family is very grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love and support and wishes all reading this to know how blessed they are to have you in their lives.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”