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Herbert Janick Obituary
Dr. Herbert F. Janick, Jr. died on January 31, 2018. Dr. Janick was born on August 30, 1929 to Dorothy (Dunbar) and Herbert Janick, Sr. of Rochester, NY. He was married to Mary Jane (Bergeron) Janick who died in 2009. They were married for 54 years. The Janicks resided in Ridgefield, CT since 1962.
Dr. Janick was a Professor of American History at Western Connecticut State University for more than 30 years. He authored several works including: The People's University: The Centennial History of Western Connecticut State University (2002), A Diverse People: Connecticut 1914 to the Present (1975) and - with William E. Devlin - a history of 20th century Danbury entitled Danbury's Third Century: From Urban Status to Tri-Centennial (2013).
Dr. Janick worked closely with the Connecticut Humanities Council both as a board member and in partnership with the Council on a wide range of projects including museum displays, a radio program and CPTV documentaries. He was a founder of the Danbury Preservation Trust.
Dr. Janick was the recipient of several awards including the Homer Babbidge Award from the Association for the Study of Connecticut History (ASCH), the Sunderland Award from the Danbury Preservation Trust as well as the President's Medallion from Western Connecticut State University.
In his retirement, Dr. Janick traveled extensively with his wife in Europe and North America. He was an accomplished gardener and enjoyed participating in numerous luncheon groups including the "Holiday Diner Friday Salon". He was also a long-time attendee at the Benedictine Grange (Redding, CT).
Dr. Janick is survived by his four children — Herbert (III) and Kathleen of Cape Elizabeth, ME and their children (Stephen, Thomas, Dorothy and Patricia); Mark and Gabriella of South Africa and his children with Lenna Babigian (Alexander and Timothy); Mary and Jeff Smith of Lynchburg, VA; and Stephen Janick and Russell Palmer of Hockessin, DE. —his loving niece Julie Sorensen of Westport, CT., many lunch mates, close friends, caring neighbors, colleagues and former students.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Herbert Janick
Joan Reitz
January 29, 2021
Herb is one of my heroes. What a warm, intelligent, compassionate man he was! I still feel a pang in my heart when I remember that he has departed this world. Best wishes, wherever you may be, Herb. Joan Reitz
Donald Shea
July 8, 2020
I was a student at Fordham Prep 1965-69. It was the best education i received including college and law school largely owing to teachers such as Dr. Janick. I mentioned this to several classmates at our 50th reunion. Herb encouraged my love of history which I still possess and I attribute this to him.
I realize I am late to learn of his passing but for as long as I live and breathe a part of me was built by Dr Janick and belatedly I say Thank you!
Carole Torcaso-Conaway
January 30, 2019
Dr. Janice was.a wonderful human being. His knowledge of history was outstanding. I was always sad when the class was over because I wanted to hear more. His gentle nature was evident all of the time and he was anxious to help all who had questions. Those of us who knew him felt is was a pleasure to register and take for classes.
Elayne Morse
February 11, 2018
Dr. Janick was a wonderful inspirational man. I had his building America class many years ago at WCSU. He was kind, helpful, brilliant, understanding and just an all around great guy. He will be missed.
February 9, 2018
A great professor, a great man! He will be missed.
Daryle Brown, WCSU Nursing
Stephen Janick
February 8, 2018
Thanks everyone for your kind words about my father. He was a remarkable person and will truly be missed. I know I speak for all my siblings in saying that your comments help a lot.
Joan Reitz
February 8, 2018
Herb Janick is an outstanding example of how the actions of a single person can create infinite ripples of positivity in the Universe. We need more men like him!
Lauren Feller
February 8, 2018
Dr. Janick was a wonderful professor. I took his class on History through Architecture in 2006 at WCSU. His passion for the subject was absorbed by everyone in the class. I think of his lessons often as I travel the US, and even when I drive around my own home town. I'm forever indebted to Dr. Janick opening my eyes to the stories that historic buildings tell.
Margaret Teasley
February 8, 2018
Dr. Janick was one of the kindest here at WestConn when I started 33 yrs. ago. I will miss you so much Dr. Janick and I thank you.
M. Mateus
February 7, 2018
DR. Janick was a wonderful teacher. I remember his classes fondly. May he rest in peace.
Patti McCarthy
February 7, 2018
Your Father was a very humble man. When my mom was alive she volunteered at Dorothy Day and he would come in on the fridays and wash dishes. God bless your family during this sad time.
Megan Osimanti
February 7, 2018
I took every class that Dr. Janick taught and became a history teacher due to him. I often hear his voice telling me the stories of the architecture and cities of this country. I'll never visit New Haven and not think of him describing all of her beauty and history and struggling to keep pace with him, even as a young college student. He was the best story teller and he had a gift of making people feel the importance of those stories. Even as his student I knew of his wife and children, as he spoke about them often. He was a man happy in both his personal and professional life. I'm sad that he's gone, but grateful that collectively I am part of his story, his legacy. Rest easy, blue eyes.
Megan Osimanti (WCSU 2001)
Donna DeFilippo
February 6, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Janick was one of my favorite professors because he asked his students to think about the consequences of their actions.
February 6, 2018
Rest in Peace Dr. Janick. Great person and History teacher. Class of 87. God Bless. Tom
Val Anderson
February 6, 2018
Dr. Janick was a class act and wonderfully kind and compassionate professor. I was blessed to be one of his students. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Joseph Verdicchio
February 6, 2018
Dr.(then Mr.) Janick was the most influential teacher I ever had at Fordham Prep. As I told him in a recent phone call, he inspired me to appreciate American History and pursue a career as a History professor. Like Dr. Janick, I taught at the High School level while earning my Ph.D. and have been teaching at SUNY for the past few decades. He was ,in short, the role model for my life's profession.
John Secco
February 6, 2018
Sometimes I think that it is often through these sad times that messages like those seen here tell family members that their loved one was as unique and special for others as he was for them. A young Mr. Janick, my HS History teacher, was memorable in his enthusiasm, teaching talents, and interest in his students. I remember him and smile.
Frank McLaughlin
February 5, 2018
Mr Janick was Very Special ! When I was a student at Fordham Prep, I was privileged to have Mr Janick in class. His passion for history has had an very lasting positive influence on my life.May he Rest In Peace.
Frank McLaughlin
Prep ' 65
Doreen Benier
February 5, 2018
Thank you Dr. Janick for inspiring so many including myself with passion for History. I am grateful to have learned from you. Fly high in your new adventure.
Robert and Ann Marie Steinberg
February 5, 2018
Please accept our sympathies on the passing of Dr.Herbert Janick.
As an professor, there was no question of his brilliance and insights, as an historian, he always sought the essence in the moment to reach the truth, and as a citizen, he saw the value of history as it applied to the present. He is missed today, and his wisdom truly needs to be carried forward. Godspeed.Herb, We miss you today.
Our heartfelt condolences to your family.
Carole Torcaso-Conaway
February 5, 2018
Dr. Janick was indeed the history professor everyone would want. His knowledge was awesome. Dr. Janick was a true humanist. He was very kind, a gentle speaker, and one of the most intelligent people I have known.
Deb and Joh Gogliettino
February 5, 2018
To the Janick Family- we were blessed to have Dr. Janick as our professor and inspiration! His enthusiasm for learning and for opening our hearts and minds to history was truly his gift. We will miss seeing him with Steve at the Mill Plain Diner but his influence in our lives goes on. Our condolences to you all.
Veronica Bellfatto
February 4, 2018
Dr. Janick was a wonderful professor. One of the best ! Thoughts and prayers to your family.
Veronica Bellfatto , 84
Skip Casazza
February 4, 2018
Dr. Janick was tremendous professor ! A class with Dr. Janick was both extrodinary informative but entertaining as well. A friend in and out of the classroom who will be very missed.
Condolences to the Janick family.
John Read (2007)
February 4, 2018
Herb Janick was a great professor, a true force at Wesconn, and willing to listen and implement causes that were to the University's benefit! He will truly be missed!
Brett (WCSU '91) and Joanne (WCSU '88) DeWeese
February 4, 2018
a great professor and one of the nicest men you could meet. Thanks for celebrating our wedding with us. thoughts and prayers for the Janick family.
Katrina Otto
February 4, 2018
Dr. Janick was a fabulous professor.Thoughts and prayers to his family on the loss of an extraordinary man.
Ray Lubus
February 4, 2018
Dr. Janick was a wonderful professor and historian. He made his love for history infectious and serve the students at the highest professional level.Thanks Dr. J for the inspiration
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