January 18, 1955 – December 25, 2022
It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce that John M. Janowski, 67, a resident of Reading for 35 years, went to be with the Lord Christmas night, 2022. John was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on January 18, 1955, the cherished son of John S. Janowski of Methuen and the late Grace (Sapienza) Janowski.
John graduated from Tenney High School (now Methuen High School) in 1973 where he was a track star. He proudly held the Andover Boosters Meet record of 4:24.5 in the mile for 40 years and was in attendance to see his record finally broken in 2013. He also ran at the Lowell Technological Institute (now UMass Lowell).
He utilized his strong work ethic when he started his first business, Christian Builders, in 1983, and worked as a design-builder all his life, eventually specializing in bathroom remodeling with his company Bathz. His keen attention to detail and design was evident in every renovation he completed.
He met his wife, Karen, and her daughter, Alexa, in 1985, and the couple married on January 9, 1988. Together, they welcomed Amanda and Christopher shortly after to complete their family.
John was a man of deep faith who tried to embody Jesus’ welcoming spirit in everything he did, including leading a weekly prayer group that meant so much to him and hosting a small church group in his home.
One of John’s greatest passions was cooking outstanding meals for his friends and large extended family, never satisfied until he perfected a recipe. He also enjoyed playing games and Pickleball and going for walks around town to greet others and appreciate nature.
John will always be remembered as a devoted son, incredible husband, loving father, exemplary brother, amazing uncle, and great friend, making new friends wherever he went.
John was the beloved husband of Karen T. (Theodosopoulos) Janowski, devoted father of Alexa Moutevelis of Nashua, NH, Amanda Janowski and her husband Cameron Stanzione of Bristol, RI, and Christopher J. Janowski and his wife Sasha Pillay of Reading. He was the loving brother of Michael J. Janowski and his fiancé Kathy Zirpola of Salem, NH, and Francine M. Donahue and her husband Daniel of Atkinson, NH. John leaves behind members of the Shiel, Theodosopoulos and Pulido families as well as several cousins and precious nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his wake and visit with the family on Thursday, December 29, from 4 through 7 PM at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.), Reading.
A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Evangelical Church, 105 Haverhill St., North Reading on Friday, December 30, at 11 AM. Burial is private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John’s memory to the American Heart Association PO Box 417005 Boston, MA 02241-7005 heart.org or Your Options Medical 103 Broadway, Revere MA 02151.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of John M. Janowski, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
