1955 - 2022
1955 - 2022
Obituary
Guest Book
CHANGE OF DATES OF SERVICES
It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce that John M. Janowski, 67, a resident of Reading for 35 years, went to be with the Lord Christmas night, 2022. John was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on January 18, 1955, the cherished son of John S. Janowski of Methuen and the late Grace (Sapienza) Janowski.
John graduated from Tenney High School (now Methuen High School) in 1973 where he was a track star. He proudly held the Andover Boosters Meet record of 4:24.5 in the mile for 40 years and was in attendance to see his record finally broken in 2013. He also ran at the Lowell Technological Institute (now UMass Lowell).
He utilized his strong work ethic when he started his first business, Christian Builders, in 1983, and worked as a design-builder all his life, eventually specializing in bathroom remodeling with his company Bathz. His keen attention to detail and design was evident in every renovation he completed.
He met his wife, Karen, and her daughter, Alexa, in 1985, and the couple married on January 9, 1988. Together, they welcomed Amanda and Christopher shortly after to complete their family.
John was a man of deep faith who tried to embody Jesus’ welcoming spirit in everything he did, including leading a weekly prayer group that meant so much to him and hosting a small church group in his home.
One of John’s greatest passions was cooking outstanding meals for his friends and large extended family, never satisfied until he perfected a recipe. He also enjoyed playing games and Pickleball and going for walks around town to greet others and appreciate nature.
John will always be remembered as a devoted son, incredible husband, loving father, exemplary brother, amazing uncle, and great friend, making new friends wherever he went.
John was the beloved husband of Karen T. (Theodosopoulos) Janowski, devoted father of Alexa Moutevelis of Nashua, NH, Amanda Janowski and her husband Cameron Stanzione of Bristol, RI, and Christopher J. Janowski and his wife Sasha Pillay of Reading. He was the loving brother of Michael J. Janowski and his fiancé Kathy Zirpola of Salem, NH, and Francine M. Donahue and her husband Daniel of Atkinson, NH. John leaves behind members of the Shiel, Theodosopoulos and Pulido families as well as several cousins and precious nieces and nephews.
At the request of the family the date and time of the visitation and memorial service has been changed.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his wake and visit with the family on Tuesday, January 3, from 4 through 7 PM at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.), Reading.
A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Evangelical Church, 105 Haverhill St., North Reading on Wednesday, January 4, at 11 AM. Burial is private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John’s memory to the American Heart Association PO Box 417005 Boston, MA 02241-7005 www.heart.org or Your Options Medical 103 Broadway, Revere MA 02151.
Ronald Wagner
August 3, 2023
dear Janowski family,..sincere and belated condolences for your loosing John’s earthly presence. My wife Pam and I were close friends of John. I worked with John at Forster Lumber, Methuen, and we attended First Baptist Church in Salem,N.H. I could share some memories I have with John. These years being 1977-1982! We began our Christian walk together, a season of life very precious to me. You are welcome to contact me. I would enjoy meeting your family. I am sorry to have missed John’s wake. P.S. Spirt and Soul remain, giving hope!..certain in Christ Jesus is fullness of peace and joy! Ron #9788664161
Cathy Olofson
January 18, 2023
I got to know John when he was renovating my bathroom. He was a lovely man who clearly cared about his work and his clients. My heartfelt condolences.
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Kim Keith
January 3, 2023
Karen, My deepest sympathies.
Kim Keith
Judy Romano
January 2, 2023
Karen and Family: My deepest sympathies to you and your family. John lived a life well loved by many, and rightfully so. He carries a strong legacy of a Godly man. May all of your memories bring you comfort at this loss. God Bless you all.
Rodney Jones
January 1, 2023
Sad, very sad news. We honor John’s life and grieve for the loss of someone so dear.
Christine Bush
December 30, 2022
Our hearts are sad that John no longer walks among us, and that his wife and children and other family are grieving deeply because they now face life without him. How he will be missed!! Such a kind, godly, friendly, sweet-natured man, intelligent, humble, considerate of others, generous, with the gift of warm hospitality, a prayer warrior...My husband and I were privileged to have for many years attended the same church as John and Karen and to have been in their small home group Bible studies they hosted. John's beautiful smile reflected his radiant, joyful spirit. He lived out his Christian faith; he loved & served his family, neighbors & friends, strangers, his church, and his Lord Jesus WELL.
Robin Dix
December 30, 2022
Karen my heart breaks for you today! John was such an amazing man and I always loved having small group at your home. I know it’s been many years since we’ve seen each other or talked, but I think of you often. May God hold you closer in the coming days. Much love - Robin Dix
Marlena Roffi
December 29, 2022
Dear Mandy,
My heart is aching for you my beautiful friend, I know how hard this is. Your dad was the sweetest and most loving person, from the first birthday party you invited me to in third grade to our Christmas gift swap right before COVID, your dad exuded warmth and love to all. He made everyone feel welcome, no matter what, and had the patience of a saint. I am always so grateful for your family's hospitality and for all the occasions your parents invited Ally & I to break bread at your table. Your dad's warmth, immense kindness, humor, and love lives on within you and your beautiful family. I am so grateful for our friendship and I'm here for you always.
With all my love,
xoxo
-Marlena
American Association
December 29, 2022
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Steve Libbey
December 29, 2022
So sorry to hear about your loss and at such a tragic time. -Steve and Mary Libbey
Mary gail Ranaldi
December 29, 2022
My sincere condolences to Karen and all of their family.
Mary gail ranaldi, from Trinity
Mark & Laurie McCarthy
December 29, 2022
We are greatly sadden of the loss of John, he has been our neighbor for over 25 years. I have never seen him without wearing his beautiful smile. He was a friendly, giving, caring and helpful person. He will be deeply missed. My heart breaks for Karen, Chris, Amanda and Alexa. In our thoughts and prayers.
Melissa Hathaway
December 28, 2022
Both Karen and John have been a blessing to my family, in more ways that I can mention. It is a blessing to say that he has a brother in the Lord. I’m so sorry to Karen, their children, and to all those who have been affected by this profound loss. My heart is with you all.
Rose Mini
December 28, 2022
John was a precious brother and friend who will be remembered as one of the kindest men I’ve ever known. I will cherish my many memories of home group. My heart is broken for his family and I will be praying for comfort to enfold Karen and his children through this most difficult time.
Rob Apkarian
December 28, 2022
I was a freshman runner and watched John run like the wind. Such an inspiration to my future track years. I´m
Nancy Miller
December 28, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Keeping you in my prayers
Theresa Small
December 28, 2022
My heart just aches hearing this news. My cousin Johnny was the most warm loving genuine person I knew. We didnt see eachother much but, when we did it was like no time had past at all. He always had such a caring way about him that made you feel so important and with that beautiful smile of his that just warmed your soul. I will always cherish those memorable moments. My prayers go out to his loving family.
Kevin Minnehan
December 28, 2022
This is an immeasurable loss for the Trinity family, and I'm sure his family, but a huge gain for Heaven. May the family be sustained with their fondest memories, and the knowledge of his final destination. May he rest in eternal peace.
Colleen and Bobby Brown
December 28, 2022
Bobby and I got to know John when his company designed and constructed our Master bath a few years ago. A man of integrity, John displayed exceptional work ethics that truly reflected his love and devotion to the Lord he served. Our deepest sympathies to Karen and all the family, may you find His strength and peace today and in the days to come. Colleen and Bobby Brown
Linda Pelissier
December 27, 2022
Roger and I got to know bothJohn andKaren and their family and we’re saddened to hear about his passing. Good man who we highly respected. We will cherish our many memories of times together at John and Karen’s home. We send our prayers .
Neil Clapp
December 27, 2022
John was such a cherished and honorable man in the lives of so many who knew him and loved him. It was a great pleasure to have had our paths cross and converge on so many occasions. I shall look forward to one day walking with you again John.
John B. Douglass & John B. Douglass II
December 27, 2022
This book of memories is to serve as a record of the services you entrusted to us. We hope it will help to preserve treasured memories and that we, in some small measure, have helped to ease your burden and bring you comfort.
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25 Sanborn Street, Reading, MA 01867

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