Waldemar Janczyk

Waldemar Janczyk, known as “Val” or “Walt”, was born in Poland on February 11, 1951. He was the son of Barbara and Zenon Janczyk, a master watch maker, and brother to his only sister, Ewa. Following in his father’s footsteps, he became a goldsmith, almost immediately opening his own shops in two different cities. He self-mastered the art of casting metal, and later in life, worked on pieces for Tiffany’s & Co. and celebrities such as Jerry Seinfeld, Mohammed Ali, and Shaquille O’Neal.

In his late teens, he helped to establish the first Baptist church in his city and continued to serve as a deacon of the church until his departure for the United States.   

In 1994, after winning a visa lottery, he brought his wife, Janina, and son, Peter, to the US with hopes of creating better opportunities for his family. For over 20 years, he was a dedicated worker, often working two jobs until his retirement in 2013.

In his personal life, Val was an avid skier, mountain biker, and (his favorite) tennis player. He passed on all three of these loves to Peter, and later to his grandkids, Jack and Maya who continue to play daily. He also loved to watch Premiere League soccer including his favorite team Crystal Palace, and attend Philadelphia Union games with daughter in law, Colleen’s, father, Jeff.

Val loved cars, especially his beloved Volkswagen Corrado. He constantly fixed, tinkered, and maintained all his cars, motorcycle, and bicycles.

Val loved his church family at First Baptist Church of Media where he and his entire family attend services. He also maintained his relationship with God in his home life, studying the bible daily with Janina.

In the summertime, he loved going to the beach, especially the annual vacation to Ocean City, NJ with his kids, grandkids, and in-laws, Jeff and Geri.  There, he biked for hours at a time with Jack, played tennis with Peter, Jack and Maya and went on walks with Janina. The last morning of the vacation, he would always watch the sunrise with Jack and Colleen.

While he will be tremendously missed by his entire family, we know that he is enjoying eternity with Christ his Savior and friend. 

Friends are invited to his funeral service at the First Baptist Church of Media (3rd & Jackson Sts.) on Saturday, June 11, 2022.  There will be a visitation from 10-11 am followed by the service at 11 am.  The service will be live-streamed on First Baptist Church of Media's Facebook Page.

Arrangements provided by Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home
www.haganfuneralhome.com