John P. Janasik

John P. Janasik, 78, of Downingtown, passed away on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Paoli Hospital with his family by his side. He was the loving husband of Eileen (Dolan) Janasik, sharing 52 years of marriage.

Born in Philadelphia on June 20, 1947, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Gelety) Janasik. John graduated from West Catholic Boys High School with the class of 1965. He went on to receive his bachelor's degree from LaSalle University, and attended both St. Joseph's University and Villanova University for advanced studies in education. John spent his 56-year teaching career working for the archdiocese. He taught Chemistry at Saint Pius X High School, Notre Dame High School and began teaching at Bishop Shanahan High School in 1983, from where he eventually retired after 46 years this past February. John both contributed to his students' education in the classroom, and as an active mentor through extracurricular activities at the school. Among other roles, John served as faculty advisor for the student council for many years, and led the STEM team to first place at the Pennsylvania Governor's STEM regional competition for several years in a row, resulting in his being honored as the Pennsylvania STEM Advisor of the Year in 2019. Outside of teaching he enjoyed gardening and crafting, especially Christmas items, cooking, traveling, and was an avid reader and history buff. Most of all, John treasured spending time with his family and was a dedicated grandfather above all else, taking tremendous joy in the talents, companionship, and adventures of his two granddaughters.

Surviving in addition to his wife Eileen is his daughter Malissa Lash, wife of Matthew, of Silver Spring, Maryland; granddaughters Lilia Lash and Madeline Lash; brother Stephen Janasik; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Joseph Janasik and his sister Rose Ann Kennedy.

A funeral mass will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025 at 11 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 332 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335. Visitation will be from 9:45 - 10:45 AM prior to mass at the church. Interment will be private.

Donations may be made in John's memory to the STEM program at Bishop Shanahan High School.