Obituary of Claude Jacobs

Claude Nelson Jacobs, 60 of Poughkeepsie, a lifetime resident of Dutchess County, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly of natural causes on Thursday, June 8. Claude was born in Highland, NY and graduated from Spackenkill High School in 1975. He attended Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA, before beginning a long and distinguished career of more than 30 years, as a digital solutions manager with Ricoh America's Corporation, then senior manager of software solutions with Samsung, and finally as a business development manager with Canon Group's NT-ware. Claude gained tremendous fulfillment from his work, and was a diligent and skilled professional who was greatly admired by his colleagues. He earned dozens of awards and certifications along the way. Through his work, Claude had the opportunity to travel around the United States, which he enjoyed immensely.

Claude loved the outdoors, was a member of the Dutchess County Pistol Association and enjoyed hiking, biking, skiing, and riding his motorcycle around the area, as well as exploring the country with his wife of 34 years, Ellen, whom he married on June 11, 1983. Their recent trips include excursions to Yosemite and Zion National Parks, and The Sea Ranch, CA. Claude particularly loved being near the water, especially in Bethany Beach, DE, where he and Ellen had been living part-time for the past few years. Claude was dreaming of retiring there and getting out on the water in the boat of his dreams.

Claude was an avid and voracious reader and podcast listener. He was very intellectually curious, never stopped learning, and loved sharing his new knowledge with family and friends. He was about to embark on his greatest adventure yet, as the grandfather to twin boys, due this fall, and was looking forward to sharing his favorite hobbies with them.

While his life was taken far too soon, Claude will be remembered by those closest to him for his patience, infinite reasonableness, and kindness. He was incredibly generous of spirit and always put others first. His family is privileged to have known him, and has a vast array of memories to cherish. He is survived by his wife Ellen Kovac Jacobs, of Poughkeepsie, daughter Lindsay Jacobs Hibbitts and son-in-law Joseph Hibbitts, of San Rafael, CA, son Scott Jacobs, NY, brothers Alan and Elliott Jacobs of Poughkeepsie, NY, sister-in-law Susan Kovac Eckrich, of Olney, MD, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Arthur Jacobs, and mother, Bernice Dintenfass Jacobs, formerly of Poughkeepsie, NY.

Visitation hours will be held on Friday, June 16, 2017 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm, immediately followed by a 12:00 pm service of remembrance, at Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, located at 371 Hooker Ave. in Poughkeepsie. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association.