Joe Janos

Joseph J. Janos passed away on June 19 at Heart Homes Bay Ridge, leaving behind fond memories of a life well lived. A native Annapolitan, he was born to Joseph V. and Mary Janos (nee Slechta) in Eastport in 1923. As a boy, he enjoyed playing ball with friends, crabbing in the Chesapeake tributaries, and skinny-dipping in Back Creek.

He attended St. Mary’s Elementary and Annapolis High School where he played basketball and ran track. Upon graduating in 1941, he answered the call to action to serve our country as a Navy signalman in WWII. As a civilian he worked for Glenn L. Martin Co., followed by C&P Telephone until his retirement in 1985. He was a life-long parishioner of St. Mary’s Church until failing health prevented regular attendance.

Joe built a family with Aleitha Perry Janos, his wife of 49 years. Together they were a very capable team working tirelessly to maintain a spotless home and a beautiful yard. Never one to be intimidated by home projects, Joe dug a basement by hand at their first house. In their second, he executed multiple remodeling projects with exactness and skill. He was a prolific gardener and could often be found “out back”, working in the yard with the Oriole’s game on the radio.

Joe and Aleitha raised three children together, eventually leading to 6 grandchildren who knew him as “Poppa”. On any given summer weekend in the 1990’s you could find those grandchildren running barefoot in the lush green grass of the backyard, Poppa often playing ball or offering a supportive push on the swing set. Some of the fondest memories were at Christmas. Joe built an elaborate train set to the delight of his children, later enjoyed by his grandchildren in equal measure. For his grandchildren, he ran Poppa’s Taxi Service, a duty of which he never complained. Grandchild not feeling well at school? Poppa came to the rescue to bring them home to comfort.

Joe was serious about crabs. He taught his children and grandchildren how to pick them perfectly clean, always using a knife – not a mallet. Aside from his love of crabs, he also enjoyed pie, cold beer, a “good” tomato and – of course – the Ravens and the O’s. His time in the Navy inspired his love of travel, a passion he acted upon in earnest after his wife’s passing. His social nature led him to membership in Elks Lodge 622, Fleet Reserve, Moose Lodge, and the American Legion.

His long life could be attributed to his family’s genes and his easy-going nature As easy as he was, he was devoted to time management. The staff at Heart Homes can verify.

Joe was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Marie Mattox.

He is survived by his children: Lynn Rosol (Joe), Jeffrey Janos, Michael Janos (Vicki), and daughter-in-law Donalyn Janos; grandchildren: Christopher Janos (Jacki), Rebecca Rosol, Allison Janos, Brittany Shepard (Chris), Meredith Rosol, Tyler Janos, and Carleigh Vanskiver; great granddaughters: Avery and Teagan. He leaves behind a loving companion, Shirley Insley.

The family will receive friends at the John M. Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester Street Annapolis, MD 21401 on Thursday, June 24, 2021 from 6 to 8 PM. A Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, June 25, 2021 at 11 am. Interment in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.