Richard Jacob “Jake” Harberts, 46, of Poquoson, passed away unexpectedly Sept. 20, 2019. Jake was born on July 15, 1973, at the Tripler Army Medical Hospital, Honolulu, Hawaii. He was employed as a painter at Priority Collision, Chesapeake.
Jake is survived by his parents, Richard and Shirley Harberts of Hayes; son, Richard Jacob Harberts Jr. of Poquoson; daughter, Reece Julia Harberts of Poquoson; brother, R. Jeff Harberts of Gloucester; nephew, R. Jeff Harberts Jr., of Newport News; great-niece, Kinsley Anne Harberts of Newport News; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins throughout the United States. Jake shared a special birthday with his grandmother, Julia Hammes. He is already missed more than anyone can imagine by everyone who knew him.
Jake spent a lot of time with Jacob and Reece. He was so proud of them. It filled him with pride to watch and participate with Jacob in bowling, golfing, and racing. With Jake as his crew chief and Jacob’s innate ability, Jacob won numerous racing championships. Reece held a special place in her dad’s heart. He so loved watching her ride horses in competition. She was a natural and won blue ribbons her first year. He and Reece watched a lot of movies at home and in the theater, quality time for both. Before she fell in love with horses, she also raced go-karts.
His dad, Richard, spent a lot of time with Jake. As a kid, Jake couldn’t wait to go to Langley Raceway and watch his favorite driver, Phil Warren. They also played golf, bowled and couldn’t wait for the next race. Jake’s parents went to all of the racing events for both Jake and his son Jacob. They were always there to support them. His mom, Shirley, loved cooking his favorite meals for him and spent a lot of time with him just talking or listening when that was what he needed. His brother, Jeff, really tried to get him out fishing more. Jake was beginning to get into the sport and was scheduling another outing. However, Jeff couldn’t convince Jake to go hunting. Whenever Jake needed his brother, Jeff was always there.
Jake’s special friends include his best friend, Brian Wilburn. They had been best friends since the 5th grade. Danny Wyatt thought the world of Jake and told him so. He strived to be more like Jake. His go-kart racing friends included a lot of people, but in particular, the Keith Leach family, especially Aaron, Holly, Matthew and Erin. They helped him immensely on Saturday night racing at Langley Raceway. Without them, he would not have been racing.
Jake won three races this season. You know it made him happy — just look at the picture above. This year was the first year that he could race with Jacob Jr. It was so exciting watching them. Both his engine builder, Chris Williams, and his friend, Jimmy Flinn, provided so much support, both on and off the track. Danny Mallard added fun on the race track. Jake appreciated the special support he received from Megan Boyles. Her support was immeasurable. Thank you to all of Jake’s friends. We all love him and don’t know how we will fill this void.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m, Friday, Sept. 27, at Claytor-Rollins Funeral Home, followed by a reception at 1:30 p.m. at Poquoson Woman’s Club, 9 Cedar Road, Poquoson. Jake always wore a cap whether it was from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Boston Red Sox, Leach Racing or 80 Harberts. Feel free to wear your favorite one to the memorial service, but remember to remove it during the service. His favorite color was blue.
Share online condolences with the family at Claytor Rollins Funeral Home and Crematory.
