Andrew Jaret, 56, a cherished son, husband and father of Rockville Centre

Andrew H. Jaret of Rockville Centre died on Jan. 4, just days short of his 57th birthday, after a heroic 4½-year battle with the most aggressive form of multiple myeloma. His wife of 22 years, Rosemary, said he had tried many treatments, including three bone marrow transplants, and he never complained. Toward the end, he reiterated to his doctor his hope that a cure would be found for others.

A quiet and perceptive man known for a dry sense of humor that lightened the situation, especially as his health gravely deteriorated, Jaret was a Brooklyn native who spent his teenage years in Long Beach. Active and athletic, he loved the beach and used to surf when he lived by the shore. He went to the gym (meeting his future wife at a Jack LaLane club) and was a competitive paddleball player at a high level. After graduating from Adelphi University, he started his career in accounting and moved into health care finance (working in several metro New York hospitals). Nearly 20 years ago he decided to combine his entrepreneurial spirit with his technical skills and opened his own successful telecommunications firm.

Jaret loved spending time with his two sons, Bryan, 15, a South Side High School student and Steven, 9, who attends Wilson Elementary School. He never missed their soccer, basketball or lacrosse games and he always made himself available to them — and others. He had the ability to do funny voices and impersonations and was very kind hearted. He was the “fun” parent, always interested in trying a new restaurant, stopping for ices or ice cream, riding roller coasters or seeing the newest kid movie that had just come out. He taught his children to be tolerant of different types of people, and he taught them right from wrong.

Jaret will be remembered for his level-headed intelligence, kindness, sense of humor, calming influence, perseverance and courage. A cherished member of his family and his community, he was a wonderful son, husband and father.

Born to Elaine and the late Irving Jaret, and the brother of Kathe Jaret, he also leaves behind Rosemary (nee: D’Agostino), Bryan and Steven, and his beloved dog, Abbi. He was an esteemed member of the D’Agostino family as well.

A religious service took place on Jan. 8 at Macken Mortuary. Interment followed at the Locust Valley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Andrew Jaret’s memory be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at: www.themmrf.org.