George J. Janis 1935-2025
YOUNGSTOWN – George J. Janis, 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, May 7, 2025, at Aventura at Assumption Village, surrounded by his family.
George was born Sept. 3, 1935, in Youngstown, a son of the late Edward and Mary Kay Zagorski Janis. A lifelong resident of the Youngstown area, he was deeply rooted in his community.
He worked as a dedicated steelworker for over 50 years. George began his career with Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company and continued at Steel Door in Austintown before retiring from Louisiana Pacific in Boardman in 1991.
George found great joy in spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed the occasional trip to the casino, where he loved the thrill.
He is survived by his children, Karen L. (Jeffrey) Mathis of Chino Valley, Arizona, and Joseph G. (Melissa) Janis of Youngstown; five grandchildren, Mike (Christy) Baker, Mathew Baker, Robert Brainard III, Janis L. (Aaron) Antone and Joseph E. Janis; 10 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind three sisters, Barbara Burrows of Hubbard, Georgeann Foltz of Boardman and Gloria Sanchez of Mexico Beach, Florida; two sons-in-law, George Baker of Columbus and Robert Brainard of Youngstown; and two sisters-in-law, Ella Janis of Bremen, Georgia and Deborah Janis of Boardman.
George was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Donna L. Hanlon Janis, whom he married Nov. 26, 1955, and who passed Nov. 28, 2022. He was also preceded in death by two daughters, Victoria L. Baker and Sandra L. Brainard; an infant son, George J. Janis Jr.; a grandson, George Baker; two brothers, Edward Janis and Richard Janis; two sisters, Jean Bolyne and Mary Byers; and five brothers-in-law, Phil Burrows, Donald Foltz, Ralph Sanchez, Vern Byers and Lou Bolyne.
Per George’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral services at this time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that material tributes take the form of contributions to Easter Seals of Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana Counties, 299 Edward St., Youngstown, OH 44502, in memory of George.
Arrangements are being handled by Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market St., Boardman.
To share memories and condolences, please visit www.beckerobits.com.
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