Forked River, NJ – Funeral services have been announced for Mya Bella Golabek, 9, and her younger brother, Sigmund “Siggy” Paul Golabek, 7, who died following the tragic boating incident on Barnegat Bay that has shaken communities across Ocean County.
The siblings will be remembered during a joint visitation on Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Riggs Funeral Home, 130 North Main Street in Forked River. A Funeral Liturgy will begin at 7:30 p.m., with private cremation to follow, according to the family’s obituary.
Remembering Mya and Siggy
Mya, born April 6, was remembered as a fun-loving, competitive girl who excelled in softball and basketball. She loved swimming, spending time at the beach, crabbing with family, and expressing her creativity through drawing and crafts.
Her obituary describes her as someone whose “beautiful smile, kind heart, and joyful personality made her someone truly special,” adding that she had a gift for making those around her feel loved.
Siggy, born Nov. 29, was remembered as a sweet, shy, but adventurous boy with a vivid imagination. He loved basketball, baseball, swimming, dinosaurs, and Sonic, and shared a close bond with his parents, especially through special traditions like games of rock-paper-scissors with his mother and a unique handshake with his father.
Both children shared a deep love for their dogs, Tequila and Captain, and cherished spending time with cousins, friends, and teammates.
An Unbreakable Sibling Bond
The family chose nearly identical tributes to reflect the close relationship between the brother and sister.
“A sibling bond is a love that lasts forever,” the obituary states. “Mya and Siggy were not only brother and sister, but best friends who shared laughter, adventures, and countless memories. Now they continue their journey together, hand in hand, carrying their love beyond this world and leaving behind a beautiful reminder of the unbreakable bond they shared.”
The children are survived by their parents, Jennifer and Sigmund Golabek, along with grandparents, extended family members, cousins, and many friends who, the family said, will forever cherish their memories.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Popcorn Park Zoo in Siggy’s memory or to the Lacey Storm Softball 10U team in Mya’s memory.
