Tragic Update: Husband, Wife Of 54 Years Killed In Single

By Michael Mashburn From Daily Voice

A Long Island couple who spent more than five decades together lost their lives side by side when their car crashed in their hometown over the weekend.

On Monday, Aug. 25, Suffolk County Police identified the victims as Walter “Butch” Jakubowski, 83, and his wife, Margaret Jakubowski, 75, both of Ronkonkoma.

The crash happened around 11:20 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, when Walter was driving a Subaru Forester west on Peconic Street in Ronkonkoma, as Daily Voice reported. The vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane, left the road, and struck a tree.

Both Walter and Margaret were pronounced dead at the scene. The pair had been married for 54 years, according to a recent anniversary post on Facebook. 

Their longtime friend Sal Nap remembered Walter as a proud US Marine Corps veteran and said the couple’s absence will be deeply felt.

“I’ve lost two friends, but our community lost two great people and the USA lost another hero,” Nap wrote on Facebook. “We won’t forget you and we will make sure you are remembered at the 2025 RMS Veteran’s Day ceremonies. We love you guys.”

The couple’s vehicle was impounded for a safety check. Detectives asked anyone with information to call the Fifth Squad at 631-854-8552.