Memorial Service For Beloved Boater Organized In Babylon Village

BABYLON, NY —The Village of Babylon will host a memorial service to remember a beloved boater, whose story grappled the hearts of the Long Island boating community.

"An Evening of Remembrance” will take place on Wednesday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m. to honor 28-year-old James Jaroncyzk at Gilbert C. Hanse Municipal Pool in Babylon.

On May 7, Jaronczyk, of Massapequa, was alone on a 22-foot Progression speedboat on the Great South Bay when he fell into the water, police said.

He was found Thursday morning by Pennsylvania Search & Rescue team and Suffolk County underwater marine rescue, with "family and friends gathered," Village of Babylon Mary Adams said.

His body was found just west of the Pool, she said on social media.

"To the Jaronczyk family, you will always have a special place in our hearts," she said. "May James look over you from above and with God’s grace provide all the strength and comfort during this difficult time."

A GoFundMe campaign, "In James Jaronczyk’s Memory", formerly "Support for James Jaronczyk’s Family" was created to help the Jaronczyk family, after the 28-year-old went missing on Sunday. As of Monday afternoon, it has raised $35,499.

According to the fundraiser's description, the proceeds will go toward multiple organization such as the Pennsylvania Search & Rescue team.

"It does not matter where you are from, here in the Village of Babylon, we are community, and we come together," she said, thanking multiple people and organizations in Jaroncyzk's search. "To celebrate the good times and to assist through the difficult times. That is who we are as a people. That is who we are as a community."

To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.