Steven R. Jany

Steven R. Jany, 73, of West Windsor, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at his home with his loving family by his side.
Born in Trenton, Steve was a life-long resident of the area. He graduated from Princeton High School in 1969 where he was a part of the Business Program. Steve has been a member of the farming community in both Mercer County as well as the State of New Jersey since he was in his early teens. He began his journey under the tutelage of Raymond Malsbury and soon after, joined Rustin Farms and Simonson Farms where he began to hone his skills of farming. His unwavering dedication and passion for farming led him to become a partner at Rustin Farms in 1973, where he and his brother, Frank, nurtured not only the land but also the next generation, working alongside his son, Rodger, to continue the family legacy.
Steve was a mentor, student and teacher, and a dear friend to all those he touched. He never stopped learning his craft and his willingness to experiment and try new ideas continued to help the farm evolve. He volunteered countless hours and contributed his wealth of knowledge to the farming community throughout the State, County, and West Windsor Township through his involvements with many organizations and board seats. Steve was a member of the New Jersey Farm Bureau where he held numerous offices over the past 25 years. He was also a member of the New Jersey Soybean Association where he served as Past Chairman, the New Jersey Christmas Tree Growers Association, and the Grain and Forage Producers Association of New Jersey where he served as Past Chairman.
Over the past several decades, Steve continued to be involved and give of his time while sitting on the New Jersey and Mercer County Boards of Agriculture and its development and the First Pioneer Farm Credit Advisory Committee. In 2012, Steve was appointed by the Governor to the New Jersey Water Supply Advisory Committee and served until 2015. Locally, Steve was an integral part of the West Windsor Township Planning Board, the Agricultural Advisory Committee the Open Space Sub-committee, was an Assistant Scoutmaster of West Windsor Troop 40 and later became Scoutmaster in the mid 1990's, while his sons were members of the troop.
Steve was dedicated to fostering and sustaining the New Jersey farming community through his involvements with Rutger University and Cook College. He was asked to participate on the Secretary of the Agricultural Search Committee, was a Trustee of the Advisory Committee to Cook College, as well as an integral part of search committees to select various governmental and state agricultural positions.
Beyond the accolades and achievements, Steve's heart resonated with love for family and friends. Steve was the consummate outdoorsman! He was a member of the All-Around Sportsman's Club and Steve's legacy as "Dock Dad" at the Drawbridge Marina in Manasquan, where he enjoyed summers for over 50 years of cruising and fishing, reflects his adventurous spirit and deep love for the outdoors. He mentored and taught many the art of fishing and shared his years of knowledge with many new boaters. Together, he and Marty enjoyed snowmobiling and skiing as well as, taking trips to New England and the Chesapeake Bay. He also enjoyed the many trips they took with the NJ Farm Bureau and fellow members to the AFBF Conventions. As we celebrate the life of Steve, let us reflect on his legacy of love, commitment, and service-a life well-lived, forever in our hearts.
Predeceased by his parents, Steve and Ruth (Bowlby) Jany; his beloved wife of 53 years, Martha S. Jany; and his brothers-in-law, Paul Scaramuzzo and Jim Applegate ; he is survived by his sons and their wives, Rodger and Samantha Jany of West Windsor and Tim and Sarah Jany of Plantation, FL; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Susan and John Jabonoski of Columbus, NJ, Patricia and Thomas Cherrington of Hamilton, and Chrissy Scaramuzzo of Morrisville, PA; his brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Terri Jany of Albrightsville, PA; his special companion, Charlotte Dey of West Windsor; his beloved grandchildren, Brayden, Sawyer, Kase, Joseph, and Jacqueline; his sister-in-law, Carol Applegate; his brother-in-law, Gordon (Ray) Simonson of Deer Lodge, Montana; his many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Trixie.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Dutch Neck, 154 S. Mill Rd., West Windsor, NJ and on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Church.
A Church Service will follow on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Dutch Neck with Reverend Jan Willem Van der Werff officiating.Streaming of the service can be viewed by visiting (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/950350017?pwd=c1RJanFEdGRYZm84UGt5RDE4WFIxQT09)
Interment will follow at the First Presbyterian Church of Dutch Neck Cemetery, Princeton Junction, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Steve's memory to organizations that support local agriculture and the community he loved dearly. The Jany's request these be made to the New Jersey Agricultural Society, Recreational Fishing Alliance, and the West Windsor Volunteer Fire Company #1 by visiting In Memory Of at inmemof.org.
Arrangements are under the direction of the A.S. Cole Son & Co., 22 North Main Street, Cranbury, NJ.