George "Rick" Richard Janetos

George Richard Janetos, lovingly known as Rick, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024, following a courageous nine-year battle with cancer. In his final weeks, Rick demonstrated remarkable bravery, choosing to end treatment and enter Hospice Care. His decision allowed him to spend his remaining days at home, surrounded by the love of his wife of 40 years, Marlene Ann Janetos (Mckechnie), and their son, Thomas Jeffery Janetos. At peace with his choice, Rick spent his final days reconnecting with those who brought joy to his life, expressing his gratitude and love. Rick was born on August 28, 1951, in Marietta, Ohio, to Ruth Borer-Archer-Janetos and George Janetos. He grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he formed lifelong friendships with Winn and Jeffery Kahn, Timmy Carlson, Paul Stoehr, John Carnes, Beverly Leibovitz, and many others. These bonds led to unforgettable adventures, including attending Woodstock together, surfing and Life Guards on the beach. Rick is survived by his wife, Marlene; his son, Tom; his three sisters, Kathy Demmons, Vicky Perham, and Michaelyn Persaud; two half-sisters, Lisa Janetos and Linda Adams; brother, “Bill” Clyde William Archer (Sandra); half-brother, Russel Tomasini; and his beloved Mckechnie in-laws, Robert Edward (Shauna), Eugene Marvin (Cheri), Isaac Alan (Nikki), Ronald Steven (Jamie), Sally Ann (James), Charles Brian (Kim), and Laura Lynn (Clark). He was preceded in death by his sister, Claudia Ruth Archer; brother, Thomas J. Archer; mother, Ruth Marjorie Janetos; father, George Janetos; and stepmother, Laura Joan Janetos. Rick attended Father Lopez High School where he played football before graduating from Seabreeze High School. He studied at Florida State University where he became a lifelong Seminoles fan. Rick was a certified Journeyman Electrician, a proud member of the IBEW 606 in Orlando and 349 in Miami. His memberships extended to HAM radio clubs, the Moose Lodge, and the Elks Lodge, where he cultivated friendships over three decades. Rick’s warmth and humor created connections everywhere he went, from Daytona Beach to Orlando (Joanne Grant, Chris and George Bassil, Mr. Penz), Michigan (The McKechnie Clan, Moran Family) to California (Pete & Diane Mayer), South Florida (Fran and Brett Weinstein, Mr. Concas and the IBEW colleagues) and Louisiana (Ham Radio club and fellow blues enthusiast James Janetta). Over the past four years in Prairieville, Louisiana, he embraced life by fishing with his son Tom on Lake Willow, where Tom claims the title for the biggest bass caught—though Rick surely has a heavenly angling advantage now. Rick thought of Tom as his biggest Joy. They were able to spend a lot of time together in the past few years. He also enjoyed gardening with Marlene, helping create a flourishing oasis of flowers and vegetables. Rick was so pleased to connect with relatives in Greece - Maria, Sofia and Zoe Tzanetou and Vivi Asimakopoulou and to be able to visit them a few times. He cherished those visits. A special thank you goes to Sally Mckechnie for finding the family’s Prairieville home, a place of natural beauty where Rick found peace and daily wonder. Sally and James Janetta have been wonderful support through the years and their friendship is very much appreciated. Rick has been granted the honor of resting at Will Walk Native American Cemetery on Sugar Island, Michigan, a testament to his deep respect for the native culture he married into. The family will celebrate his life during the summer of 2025 on Sugar Island, MI. Instead of flowers, donations to Rick’s memorial garden at Will Walk Native American Cemetery are greatly appreciated. Contributions can be made via VENMO @Marlene-Janetos or sent to the family home. Rick’s legacy of kindness, friendship, and love will forever be cherished by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.