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Nicholas Janikies Obituary
84, of Jamestown passed away May 15, 2017 at home peacefully surrounded by his family. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late William and Amelia (Larelis) Janikies.
Nick was the beloved husband of Margaret (Giroux) Janikies for 57 years. Nick graduated from Hope High School and enlisted in the Air Force. After an honorable discharge, he attended Bryant College where he received a Bachelors Degree (1957) and an Honorary Doctorate Degree (1985).
Nick was an entrepreneur and the founder of the Jan Companies. On April 30, 1969 he opened his first Burger King restaurant in Cranston, Rhode Island. He expanded this into an empire encompassing over 100 restaurants and Country Clubs. These well known names include Burger King, Quidnessett Country Club and Newport Creamery. Nick's love for business defined his entrepreneurial spirit.
Nick was also the beloved father of Melissa Janikies, Cynthia (Janikies) Simonson and her husband Timothy, William Janikies and his wife Sharon and Jonathan Janikies. He also leaves behind two granddaughters; Julia and Kelsey, three grandsons; Nicholas, Andrew, and Will. Nick was the brother of the late Peter William Janikies.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service Friday, May 19th at 9:00 am at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, 175 Oaklawn Ave. Cranston, RI. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Cedar Cemetery Jamestown, RI. Visiting hours Thursday 3-8 pm at "WOODLAWN" Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, RI. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Make-A-Wish-Foundation @ massri.wish.org will be appreciated. For information and condolences, please visit
www.WoodlawnGattone.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nicholas Janikies
Sponsored by Woodlawn Funeral Home - Cranston.
Bill Laurence
November 17, 2024
Tons of years ago, Nick and we´re friends and golfing buddies. Recently told the story on my hosting a cocktail party in Buttonwoods on the waterfront in 1979 or 1980, during the Warwick CC Member Guest. Nick was the guest of Dick Cullen. Nick and Marge drove up in a Bentley Convertible, ca. 1958 or 1959. The man knew how to put on a show. Fond memories of helping to sell space in his headquarters building at Sockanosset. Now my daughter Amanda, after 30 years of living in Pasadena. CA, has moved to North Kingstown, and is applying to Quidnesset CC with her husband Winter Horton. Small world after all. My best regards to the Janikies family.
Bill Laurence, PGA West, La Quinta, CA
Lowell Allan Hart
May 11, 2022
God Bless!
Lowelll Hart
May 11, 2021
Great memories of a man I learned a lot from.
Lowell Hart
May 11, 2020
My Deepest Sympathys on the anniversary of Nicks passing. He was a great mentor and inspiration for my career. Which I could of thanked him. Lowell A Hart
July 5, 2019
I was just watching Chasing Classic Cars on Motortrend TV. And it reminded me of Nick's love for cars. The hassle he had trying to build a 7 stall garage at his house. Back in the seventies that was outrages.
Well, I first met Nick in 1973. I was 11 0r 12 years old. Worked at my families Carvel Ice Cream store in Swansea, MA. Nick would pull up in his MB 450SL; come in and have an ice cream. He had a handheld counter. Like you would use in the supermarket back in the day. I asked him what he was doing. He told me that the average sale at McDonalds (our business neighbor) was $3. He counted everyone coming and going. lunch and dinner (no Bkfast back then) and if the traffic count was enough, he would put a BK next to MickeyDEE's. Good stuff, let MickeyDees spend the money on marketing and build your store from them. I have told this story several times. And used it in my own career in Banking. Now, I am a State Farm Agent in NH. Nick was a remarkable man, And did not realize the influence he had on others. God Bless Him and his family. Best, Lowell A Hart.
Joseph Perates
September 1, 2017
Nick had a brokerage account with me and traded silver contracts successfully. He was an excellent client, friendly, kind and trustworthy. I enjoyed our relationship and I think he did also.
Joseph Perates
Daniel Bentley
May 25, 2017
Condolences and Prayers for the family.
Bentley Family
Rocky Hill '79
Lori Denham
May 22, 2017
To the Janikies Family:
I am so sorry to read of the passing of your family patriarch. May he Rest In Peace.
Gayle Kairnes
May 20, 2017
Dear Marge and family, sending my deepest condolences to you. Marge as you know, I remember way back to going on an adventure with you and Nick that was an exciting time for you and family. You and Nick were always so wonderful to be with and I enjoyed all the time I got to share with you! Sincerely, Gayle Whitford Kairnes
Joe Zito
May 19, 2017
Mrs.Janikies, I was saddened to learn of Nick's passing!
Over the last 45+ years,I had many,many pleasant encounters with Nick at the restaurant(Twin Oaks) ,and also on the golf course (Quidnessett)! My sincere
condolences to you and the entire Janikies family!
Kara J. Bell
May 19, 2017
Dear Melissa and Cyndi,
My deepest condolences to you and your family at this time. In time may your memories comfort you and turn your sorrow into happiness. Your dad was always larger than life leaving quite a legacy for all to remember.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Fondly,
Kara
Alton (Bill) Wiley, Jr.
May 19, 2017
To the Janikies Family--
I would like to extend my sincere condolences to all of you for your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Janikies one night along with my Dad. I was well aware of how he would hire ex-convicts to work in his Burger King restaurants to allow those people to have a second chance. I found this admirable, and it showed me that he was a man of great character and integrity. May he rest in peace.
Robert Mantia
May 19, 2017
To all in the Janikes Family.
Lucy and I send our deepest sympathies for your loss. During the three years that I served on the QCC board I got to know Nick pretty well, especially the year that I served as its chairman. Nick and I had lunch about once per month to discuss matters about the club. Nick truly loved the club and allowed the board and its committees a lot of latitude in handling various club events. A few months ago I saw Nick at his Newport Creamery Restaurant in North Kingstown having breakfast. I went up to him with my wife Lucy and granddaughter to say hello. He greeted us with that big smile of his and we agreed to have lunch the following week. We did have the lunch, and afterwards I drove him to his office at Janco. He invited me in and Bill joined us. It was a great day. Nick and I had a lot of respect for each other. I liked him.
Robert S.Mantia
Lieutenant Colonel
U.S. Army-Retired
Fort Myers, Florida
Joe & Lori McFadden
May 19, 2017
Melissa,
Joe and I are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time and always. We are not able to be there but our hearts are with you. Our sincere condolences to your family.
Maurice Laplante
May 18, 2017
Hi Marge,Nick and I sheared a lot of stories over 39 years of cutting his hair ,there was a lot of laughing for sure when he came in ,I will surly miss him ,god bless ...Maurice
Frank Zincone
May 18, 2017
The epitome of a gentleman and business man. Long admired and respected for your work ethics, morals, and personality.
Thank you for your friendship and support.
Zink's Automotive.
Michael and Nancy Voccola and Family
May 18, 2017
Mrs. Janikies and Family:
Nancy and I offer our most sincere condolences on Nick's passing.
I had the pleasure, honor and privilege to work with Nick and his excellent team many years ago. While our time together then was short, it was like going to college every day - always learning new things, new approaches and new ways to do business. These are lessons I will always remember.
I hope that your fond memories of Nick will soften your loss.
Dave Ruberto
May 18, 2017
Sorry for your loss . He sounds like he was a remarkable man. Sincerely , Dave and Pat Ruberto
Brenda (Pouliot) Plasse
May 18, 2017
Melissa
I am so very sorry for your families loss of your dad. My deepest condolences to all of you. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Kimberly Esposito
May 18, 2017
Dear Janikie Family
Our deepest condolences.
Our hearts go out to Margret his loving wife,& his beautiful children & grand children.
This community will feel the loss of a man who gave so much to so many!
Rest in peace Nick
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
David Chin
May 18, 2017
Mr J was passionate about his business and for his people.
He will be sorely missed.
My sincere condolences to all his family.
B. Curt Kingsbury
May 18, 2017
My heartfelt condolences to the Janikies Family - . Think not of an end of an era, but the beginning of innumerable, memories earned thru Mr. Janikies unrelenting intellect, drive and hard work that created a timeless legacy - one so vast in scope that it is omnipresent in many ways, physical and spiritual. It was a both a privilege and pleasure to have been able to work in his office and presence. He will be missed!
Dr. and Mrs. Stephen D'Amato
May 18, 2017
Dear Margaret,Melissa, Cynthia, William and Jonathan:
Josey and I just learned of the passing of your husband and father Nickolas.
We wish to express our sincerest condolences to all of you and the extended Janikies family. May Nick be embraced firmly by OUR LORD. May he live forever in the PEACE AND LOVE OF OUR GOD AND FATHER.
Sincerest condolences,
Dr. and Mrs. Stephen D'Amato
May 18, 2017
My sympathy and prayers to the wonderful family Nick raised with Marge...better than his business sense, was a true sense of family. Cherish your memories!
Brenda Pelletier
Susan Phillips Kurt
May 18, 2017
Melissa and family,I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I have wonderful memories of your dad from when I played softball with Melissa. I always enjoyed coming to your house. I hope you are able to find peace during this difficult time.
Joe Iaciofano
May 18, 2017
My condolences
Dana Almeida-Laflash
May 18, 2017
Dear Janikies Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr J was a special guy. Praying for you all.
Dana Laflash
"Jan Co. 2003 to 2007"
DAVID Ursillo
May 18, 2017
To the janikies family sorry for your loss with all my sympathy. I will always remember mr.j as a kind and loving man. God bless all of you
robert mollicone
May 18, 2017
Our deepest sympathies.
Bob & Sue Mollicone
May 17, 2017
My deepest condolences to the entire family. May pleasant thoughts of wonderful times bring you solace. Peace.
May 17, 2017
Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with the entire Janikies family. Sending hope of peaceful grieving and continued wonderful memories during this time of loss.
-Dan Fitzpatrick, CJ Fitzpatrick, Debbie Salkill, and the Quality Dining, Inc. team
May 17, 2017
Thoughts and Prays Maggie and the family.
Deanna M (thurs womens group)
May 17, 2017
Dear Janikies Family:
Your friends at Maines Paper & Food Service sincerely hope that your sorry wanes and your wonderful memories continue.
Condolences
Mike DiLarso
Dennis Callaghan
May 17, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that Nick's path to the Beyond is straight and short.
Dennis Callaghan
Electrical Wholesalers, Inc.
Cherie
May 17, 2017
To the Janikies family, I am so sorry for your loss. I loved working for Mr. J. Even though he was all business he had a great sense of humor. Typing his letters was always fun with his hieroglyphic writing...."Mr. J what are your trying to say here? " May he rest in peace.
Charlie Cunha
May 17, 2017
My sincere sympathy to Mrs. Janikies and the entire Janikies family. I am sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Charlie Cunha
MarthaAnn Hofmann
May 17, 2017
Mr janikies was a very sweet man I would always see him at the janco events I have been employed by this company for 15 years and counting .. Nicholas janikies will be Truely missed by all who knew him... to the family sorry for your loss of a great man..
Susan McNulty
May 17, 2017
To the entire Janikies Family. My sincere condolences of the passing of Mr. J. He was truly an upstanding man, entrepreneur, husband, father, and grandfather. He always had a smile and a "good morning", when he came into the office. He cared about his employees and especially his family. Mr. J's legacy will live on through all of you.
Robert & Josephine Mansour
May 17, 2017
Our heartfelt condolences to the entire family.
Nick was one of kind, a very dear friend.
May he rest in peace, and may fond memories bring strength in coming days.
God Bless+
Robert & Josephine Mansour
Donna Marie Simpson(formerly Mirto)
May 16, 2017
One of the greatest bosses I have ever had in my life....A true mentor and inspiration. He will be sadly missed. I'm sure He and Mr Roch will be enjoying a great card game in Heaven~
MIKE GRASS
May 16, 2017
To the Janikies family,
My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. I could not be sorrier for yous loss and hope you can find some peace knowing Mr Janikies is in heaven. I worked for Janco for a long time, My J, was a class man and I wish nothing but peace for all of you.
Mike Grass
May 16, 2017
Merge, please accept our sincerest condolences to you and your family. Nick will be missed
Mario and Sandra Fraioli
Stan Paulauskas
May 16, 2017
Nick was a friend, mentor and someone who I admired. He developed a great company with high standards and one just has to look at his children to see what a great person he was. I will miss him.
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