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ROBERT JANUS Obituary
ROBERT JOSEPH JANUS "Bob"
Died on December 27, 2016 in Leesburg, Virginia. He was 89. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, JoAnne of Loudoun County Virginia; his son Craig (Lisa) of Fairfax County, Virginia; his brothers, Bill (Ruth) Janus of Huntington Beach, California and Ken Hoffman (Dolly) of Cheswick, Pennsylvania; his sisters Binks Mollica and Shirley Demedenko both of Huntington Beach, California; and his grandchildren Victoria, Zachary, Grace, and Hannah. Mr. Janus was born in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania to Joseph and Julia Janus. He served in United States Army Air Corps. He earned an undergraduate degree from Lock Haven University and a Masters from the University of Maryland. Mr. Janus dedicated his life to bettering the lives of children with special needs. In 1967 Mr. Janus along with Eunice Shriver-Kennedy brought the Special Olympics to Prince George's County Maryland. He retired from the Prince George's County Public School System after 45 years of service, as the Supervisor of Motor Development in Special Education. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his work in Special Education. Funeral Details: St. Hugh's Catholic Church, 135 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, Maryland 20770, January 19, 2017, 10 a.m. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Prince George's County Special Olympics in Bob's name at: Prince George's County Special Olympics, c/o Wheatley School, 8100 Ritchie Drive, Capitol Heights, Maryland 20743.
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Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT JANUS
Sponsored by A Friend.
Pam Stubbs
July 28, 2018
I'm so sorry I'm seeing this a year late. My mother and I knew Bob and his wife JoAnne...I'm watching a Special Olympics special and all the sudden thought of him. I'm so sorry JoAnne..My late Mother loved both of you as I did. . .This is Pam Stubbs..
Missing you, Bob.
JoAnne
August 5, 2017
July 8, 2017
dear family, please know how much my brother Justin and I loved bob janus. he was our big brother, our coach, our mentor our everything. the man could do no wrong. we wanted to be just like him and thank god that he let us be touched by such a special person. we will never forget you bob, you taught us joy and kindness along with how to live the good life. we will always love you dear friend. Justin and brian kriska
TONY GORCZYCA
June 25, 2017
TO THE FAMILY OF BOB JANUS
I AM A FRIEND AND I WOULD LIKE TO TELL YOU THAT BOB JANUS WAS A NICE COACH NOT JUST TO HIS ATHLETES BUT
TO OTHER ATHLETES FROM OTHER COUNTIES AS WELL AND I WAS ALWAYS SAYING HELLO TO HIM AND HE WOULD CHEER ME ON AS WELL. WHEN I WAS ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS THAT IS WHEN I FOUND OUT ABOUT HIM HAVING SURGERY . I WILL MISS HIM EVERY MUCH HE WAS A NICE COACH AND HE WILL BE MISSED.
February 26, 2017
February 26, 2017
February 26, 2017
February 26, 2017
JoAnne Janus
February 26, 2017
February 20, 2017
Hi JoAnne
I was sad to hear about Bob. Our sincere condolences on your loss. I feel privileged to have worked with him at Special Olympics Maryland for many years.
He made a difference in the lives of so many families and he had an impact on the rest of us too!
Blessings,
Tom Waite
Pat Krebs Fegan
February 18, 2017
I first met Bob in the mid 70's when I would send him practicum students from the University of Maryland. He was such an innovative leader of the Adapted PE movement. Mrs. Shriver always thought so highly of Bob as did all of us in
Special Olympics. So many times I would call Bob and run ideas by him as we created the Special Olympics movement. We all were so fortunate to have learned so much from Bob.
He was a true giant who made a big difference in millions of lives.
Mike Bovino
February 18, 2017
I knew Bob through my work with Special
Olympics Maryland. He was wise, kind, dedicated and a genuinely good man. He built and led a fine Special Olympics program in Prince Georges County which served many athletes. He will be greatly missed.
Judy Smith
February 17, 2017
I worked with Bob when he was at Wheatley School and also for many years with Special Olympics. Although we have lost a great man, Heaven has gained an Angel.
Betty Martin
February 17, 2017
I will remember Bob's great love for the "special children" and his respect for those who served them. He will not be forgotten.
Conny Russell
February 17, 2017
Bob was a great guy and a blessing for Prince Georges' County Public Schools and Special Olympics. I am one of many whose life he touched.
Liz Burley
February 17, 2017
Bob left a legacy that few will be able to replicate. He was one of a kind. He did so many great things for Special Needs students in PGCPS. His memory will live on.
JoAnne Janus
February 14, 2017
Happy Valentine's Day, Bob. I miss you terribly. This is the first year in 59 years that I have not received a beautiful Valentine from you, but I know you are thinking of me. I keep finding "Pennies From Heaven" on the ground. I know you are there dancing around waiting for me so we can dance together again forever. I love you.
Your Loving wife,
JoAnne
Scott Geist
February 14, 2017
Those of us that have had the opportunity to
know and work with Bob over the years know what a tremendous loss this is. He was a pioneer in both the Adapted Physical Education and Special Olympics communities. He spent time with Eunice Kennedy Shriver in creating the Special Olympics movement and sent a delegation of athletes from Prince George's County to the very first Special Olympics at Soldier Field in Chicago. He made the Motor Development/Adapted PE program a model throughout the state of Maryland and he was considered a national expert in the field of Motor Development.
However, it was Bob's enthusiasm and spirit that impacted the lives of so many he came in contact with over the years. His motivation and dedication in improving the lives of individuals with disabilities was infectious and truly inspirational. Besides my Mom and Dad, no one has had more of a positive impact on my life than Bob. I am sure many others feel the same way.
I hope for the younger members of our APE staff that I was able to share a little piece of Bob with you all over the years since he was truly the one that made the APE program special and unique. Please know that we are all part of Bob's legacy and should continue the proud tradition of the Prince George's County Public School's Adapted Physical Education and Special Olympics program as we celebrate his life.
Please keep his family and the many colleagues and friends he has touched in your thoughts and prayers.
--
Scott Geist
February 14, 2017
Hi JoAnne
It is hard for me too to put into words the sorrow I feel at Bob being gone. He truly was a special caring brother and I loved him dearly. You both always had a special place in my heart. We never spent a lot of time together but the times we did were unforgettable., We were always so happy when Bob came home from college to spend time with us. The last couple of weeks I have been thinking of all the good times. Bob used to bring his friends home from Rox Hi to eat lunch at our house, and they would practice Jitter bugging and pay Shirley and me to standontheir feet and dance., When I got to high school I was always so proud to say that Bob was my brother. The teachers seemed to know that and had nothing but good to say about Bob. When ever he came home for Christmas he always gave us gifts that were wrapped in beautiful paper and bows from Joseph Hornes Dept store, Never mind what was in the boxes the wrappings were enough, He bought Shirley and me our first pair of ice skates one year. Then he brought you into our lives which made his visits more special. I was honored when you asked me to be in your wedding. Thank you for taking such good care of and loving Bob. I know how hard it is to be a care taker and I am glad that you have your sister near and Craig and his family to get you through your loss.
Several of my classmates always at our reunions asked about Bob. They all have fond memories of Bob at Camp Paul E. Dean and the Boy's Club of McKees Rocks. That place was a home away from home for so many boys of our little town. They all send their condolences.
God Bless You,
I love you Binks
Linda Wiskochil
January 19, 2017
Bob was such a special person to all of us who worked with children with special needs. He was not only a pioneer but was able to inspire others to follow in his footsteps. Our lives were all richer because of what he gave us personally and professionally. He will never be forgotten. He is clearly now a star in heaven.
John Yore
January 18, 2017
Bob was my mentor in the late 70's when I was a high school student volunteer ("Hugger") for Special Olympics. He hired me as a Motor Development Specialist in Prince George's County Public Schools and guided me into becoming the educator I am today. Bob was profoundly invested in doing what was best for students. His knowledge was incomparable but it was the depth of his compassion and his passion for students which will always live in me. His impact on others is immeasurable and his legacy will live on through those he mentored and the thousands of lives he touched. Bob was a gift to all who knew him and he touched lives he never met. His was a life well lived and we are all better for having known him.
Chris Lehman
January 10, 2017
There are not enough words to describe the impact bob had on my life and the lives of all those that he came in contact with. His compassion, enthusiasm, smile, laugh, drive and empathy was truly infectious. There will never be another Bob in my lifetime. I can only hope that the character and traits he taught, modeled and expected from each of us professionally and personally, can continue to be passed to future generations now and forever.
Thank you Bob for your friendship, mentor-ship and guidance through our years of relationship. May our memories and conversations of stories of you help heal our hearts and rise up to you as you laugh and enjoy from above.
January 7, 2017
Thank you Mr. Bob for touching the lives of so many Special Olympic
Athletes, Families, Coaches and Volunteers. Our lives have never been the same since we made your acquaintance.
Falling under that Special Olympic Spirit has been life changing for so many!
Let me win, but if I cannot win
Let me be Brave in the attempt.
Oh, the doors of opportunity you opened for so many of us.....and we all say thank you for each Special Olympic Adventure you encouraged us to pursue!
I thank you for the twenty-three years I had at Wheatley finding a way for each of my special students and athletes to be the best they could be.
You were my boss, mentor, and friend, and I shall eternally be grateful.
Sending a special hug to Jo Anne, Craig and his family, and Victoria and her Mom.
So many wonderful memories for each of you to treasure always.
Love,
Sharon Hilty
January 7, 2017
Aunt Jo Anne and Craig/Lisa and family. I am happy that Uncle Bob is now at rest and it is clear he was truly a good and faithful servant to the principles of Christ. I know there are so many that he touched with his spirit of kindness and giving. Love you all and prayers that your memories of life shared with him will bring you some comfort. Alisa and family
January 6, 2017
Prayer for you and your family. So sorry I just saw this. Ginny
January 6, 2017
Please except our sincere condolences. We just saw this. Prayers for you, Craig and the family. Ginny and bill
Mary Ann Tarantella
January 5, 2017
John and I send our sincere sympathy, may you find peace in the days to come.
Ronald Lyst
January 5, 2017
Bob Janus, rescued me from the playground at Bladensburg Elem, as a PE Teacher. He saw I had the skills and and experience to work in Special Education. He also knew I had Aquactic Skills , he placed me at Hillcrest Heights Special Center in Aquatics. I stayed their 31 years and loved every minute working with my students and all the schools I serviced in Aquatics from PG Co Schools. I also enjoyed running the Special Olympic SwimMeets. This is what Bob did best, he trained us, motivated us, inspired us. He was the best teacher, Coach, friend I have ever had in all my years of working in Prince George's Co. I thank God for my years knowing Bob Janus. We will meet again my friend.
Alice Terrill
January 4, 2017
Bob was a wonderful friend and dedicated teacher for special students in Prince George's County. I treasure our many years of working together........
.Alice Terrill
LaTangeLa Bracey
January 4, 2017
A beautiful soul, full of love and faith, ascended to heaven, away from us, but closer to God, leaving loneliness and sadness.
In these moments of loss, words are useless. God rest his soul in peace and the angels to always be there with the family!
Thank you Bob! SOMDPG has done wonders for my son.
Sanders Family
Sharon Markowich
January 4, 2017
Anyone who had the privilege of working with Bob was lucky. His compassion and love ran deep. Bob was an outstanding leader in our community and made this world a better place. He made me proud to be a member of the Special Education Team in PG County. We cannot count the number of lives that were improved by his presence in their lives, the work he did and the example he set. He will be missed but his work will continue to improve the lives of many.
Donna Streeter
January 4, 2017
Meeting this man back in the 1970's changed our entire family. Our oldest daughter, Tamarah became one of his star players, and shortly after my husband began a new career in volunteering that lasted until his death in 2013. Regardless if it was on the cold slopes in Deep Creek Lake to the smelling sweat filled gym at Towson or on the beach in Ocean City for a convention, he always made everyone feel they were part of the team. Thank you for sharing him with us and allowing us to be a member of his team. Peace, Donna Streeter
Leslie Allen
January 3, 2017
Our hearts are sad at your passing you will be missed.
Leslie and Gary Allen
January 3, 2017
Bob was a friend and colleague since 1970. His professional skill was only exceeded by his heart. Special Olympic Athletes throughout the world and especially Maryland benefited from his pioneering spirit and work ethic. Individuals that worked with him treasured him as I did.
Leslie Brudenell Allen
Former Executive Director of Maryland Special Olympics and Area Director of Special Olympics Baltimore
Helen Cook
January 3, 2017
A broKen heart heals by the memories we treasure.So sorry for your loss.
McKees Rocks Rams 1945
January 3, 2017
My sympathy to JoAnne and Craig and Bob Janus' family. I heard of Bob's passing by a kind phone call from Bob's brother, Ken Hoffman. As a child I knew Bob as one of my father's (Tom Connolly) best friends. As an adult I knew Bob as a gracious an kind man. As a 15 year old, on 11/3/62, I sat with Bob and my father in a blizzard at Beaver Stadium (Bob got the tickets) as he suffered through his Maryland Terrapins and Dick Shiner being shut down by Dave Robinson and the Penn State Nittany Lions. In March 1970, my father and I enjoyed Bob and JoAnne's hospitality as they hosted us the weekend of the NCAA basketball finals at the University of Maryland's Cole Field House - again tickets (5 rows behind John Wooden's UCLA bench) thanks to Bob. I can still taste the filet mignon, wrapped in bacon. The best I ever had to this day.
I know this good man is resting in Peace in God's eternal light.
Ron Connolly
January 3, 2017
Rest in peace my dear brother. You will be greatly missed Love Binks
Dee
January 1, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. May God strengthen you in days ahead. 2 Corinthians 3, 4
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