Jason Liaban

Jason Yu Liaban, age 39 of Packanack Lake in Wayne, died unexpectedly on Thursday, March 30, 2023. 
Jason was the eldest son of Ronaldo and Maria Yu Liaban, born in Quezon City, Philippines. He was raised there until the age of eight when his family emigrated to the United States. They originally settled in Leonia, New Jersey then moved to Bergenfield. Jason graduated with Bergenfield High School’s Class of 2002. Jason then attended Rutgers University where he received his bachelor's degree majoring in criminal justice.  

Due to his prowess, sense of social responsibility, and conscientiousness, he was hired by the Maywood Police Department January 10, 2008. Jason graduated from the Bergen County Police Academy class #100, where he earned the physical fitness “Ironman” award and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office best all-around recruit award. During his outstanding 16-year career, he was assigned to the Detective Bureau on July 1, 2014, served as the Detective Bureau Commander and was promoted to Sergeant on October 8, 2019. 
Jason was a decorated officer who received numerous awards and commendations for his heroic actions in the line of duty. Some of his remarkable feats were de-escalation of a suicidal party armed with a knife, several CPR saves, apprehension of an armed robbery suspect, and multiple commendations for narcotics arrests. Well-regarded, Jason fulfilled his duties as a former operator of the Bergen County Rapid Deployment Force (RDF), Hackensack Youth Academy Instructor, Counter-Terrorism Coordinator and spent time as an Internal Affairs Investigator. Jason was a well-loved member of the community where he served, but most significantly a beloved member of the police department. He was the epitome of what a police officer should be: honorable, kind, compassionate and caring. He was an incredible role model to his fellow officers and an exceptional asset to his supervisors. 
Through the grace of God, Jason met his wife Kriezl when they were in high school. They first met at a basketball game at Wayne Hills High School against Bergenfield High School. The first date was at Stars Billiards in Little Ferry. The high school sweethearts fell in love and one night while out to dinner at Giannarelli’s Cuisina in Montclair, Jason proposed. On July 2, 2010, they were married before God, family and friends at Our Lady of the Valley Church in Wayne. A joyful wedding reception was held at Nanina’s in the Park in Belleville. Jason and Kriezl honeymooned in Cancun, Mexico. 

Jason and Kriezl started their life in their first home in Englewood. From there they moved to New Milford before settling in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne in 2016. In the ensuing years God blessed them with four beautiful children: Ava Grace, Alexis, JJ, and Jett. 

In his spare time one of Jason’s greatest passions was playing basketball. From the time anyone can remember, Jason played in high school and was currently in the men’s leagues. His favorite professional basketball player was Kobe Bryant and for that reason he always rooted for the LA Lakers. Jason also liked working out and could frequently be found at Gold’s Gym or at Shred, both in Totowa. 
Above all else, Jason’s family was his greatest pride and ultimate joy. A devoted father, he enthusiastically shared his love of sports with his children and he truly enjoyed being their coach in their Wayne PAL basketball league and Boys Club football league. His parents were so proud of him and considered him a treasure! Jason did his best to raise his family in their Catholic faith as a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Church in Wayne. 

Jason will be remembered as an outgoing and friendly person who always strived to see the good in everyone he encountered. He demonstrated this in every facet of his life including in his vocation, with family and friends, and in living out his faith.  In his short span of life, he has impacted so many, making a difference in their lives. With God’s infinite mercy and love he will continue to look after loved ones, friends, and his beloved coworkers and community.     
Jason is survived by his wife Kriezl, his four children: Ava Grace, Alexis, Jason, Jr. “JJ”, and Jett; his parents Ronaldo and Maria Yu Liaban of Bergenfield; his brother Mark and wife Erika of Wayne, and his niece and nephew Isabella and Marcus. 
Friends may visit with the family at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Monday, April 3, 2023 from 2-8 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jason’s memory may be made to:

Jason’s children’s GoFundMe

or

Maywood Police Officer’s Association (MPOA)

15 Park Avenue

Maywood, NJ 07607

The Mass service can also be livestreamed by clicking on one of the links below:

https://venue.streamspot.com/event/Mzc5NzU4Ng or  youtube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6aOVlWXs8g.