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- September 8, 2012
Matthew S. Janik
Niagara Gazette
NIAGARA FALLS — Matthew S. Janik, 89 years old, passed away, peacefully, on September 7, 2012, at home surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Niagara Hospice. He was born in Niagara Falls on December 31, 1922, the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Krauzowicz) Janik.
On January 23, 1940, Mr. Janik enlisted in the United States Army and attended Infantry Officer Candidate School. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal on August 28, 1942, and re-entered the Army on August 29, 1942, after accepting a Commission as 2nd Lieutenant. He was an anti-tank Unit Commander and an infantry Unit Commander with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 390th Infantry, serving in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre and the European Theatre. Mr. Janik was awarded the Bronze Star, the American Campaign Service Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Conspicuous Service New York State Medal. He was honorably discharged on March 25, 1946, with the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
After his discharge, Mr. Janik attended Niagara University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration. Since 1962 he worked as a financial consultant with Citi Group and retired in 2000.
Mr. Janik served on the Board for the Niagara Falls Housing Authority from 1972 until 1987. He was instrumental in building Wrobel (Whitewater) Towers. During his tenure, Niagara Towers was approved and built under the auspices of the Niagara Falls Redevelopment Corporation. He served as Secretary/Treasurer on the Board of Niagara Falls Housing Authority.
Mr. Janik was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion Portage Post #1465 and the Echo Club. He was a member of Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church for many years.
Mr. Janik is survived by his wife of 28 years, Barbara (Zankowski) Janik; his children, Edward (Kathy) Janik of Lewiston; Peter (late Suzanne) Janik of Youngstown; Cheryl (Paul) Bombalicky of Marble, CO; Mary Jo (Thomas) Tartaglia of Liverpool, NY; Kevin (Ann) Janik of Lewiston; Kathy (Curt) DuBois of Niagara Falls; Laurie (Terry) Jacklin of Lewiston, and David (Lisa) Tighe of Niagara Falls. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Christian and Alexandria Janik; Laura and Matthew Janik; Nicole and Elise Tartaglia; Julie (Perry) Twyford; Bill (fiancee' Whitney) and Paul Dubois; Daniel (fiancee' Melissa), Ryan, Patrick and David Tighe; and Louis and Allison Jacklin; and his great-grandson, Jack Twyford. He is also survived by his sister, Gladys Labuda and many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Thomas Janik; his brother, Stanley Janik and his former wife, Freida Janik.
Matt will be remembered for his generous spirit, his kind heart and his love of life. Two of Matt's favorite sayings were, "Szerokiej drogi!" which means, "May you travel on wide roads"; and his other favorite, "What? and quit show business!"
Friends may call on Monday from 1 to 4 PM and 7 to 9 PM at the LABUDA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 356 Portage Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 AM, at St. John DeLaSalle Church, 8477 Buffalo Avenue, with Rev. Slawomir Siok officiating. PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Interment with military honors in St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Lewiston. Memorial contributions may be made to Niagara Hospice, Inc., 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094.
Visit www.niagara-gazette.com/obituaries for online guest register.
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