Eugene K. Janecko, Sr., 90

Austintown…Funeral services will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark's Orthodox Church, with Rev. Daniel Rohan officiating, for Eugene K. Janecko, Sr., 90, who died December 22 at Austin Woods Nursing Home after a brief illness and years of pain and suffering.

Mr. Janecko was born February 25, 1927, to John and Mary (Wasko) Janecko and grew up in Campbell, Ohio. He graduated from Campbell High School, attended The Ohio State University, received his degree from Youngstown College, and pursued his graduate studies at Westminster College.

His employment included Yo. Sheet & Tube, his own part-time painting business for two decades, teacher at Struthers City Schools, North High School and Chaney High School, where he retired in 1986. He also was an assistant football coach at Chaney HS (1957-64). In Struthers, he served on Struthers City Board of Education and was elected two terms to the Struthers City Council as Councilman-at-Large.

Gene was an avid sportsman. He played halfback on the Campbell HS football team and selected All Mahoning Valley. At age 17, he was recruited by Coach Paul Brown for the Ohio State football program and played a significant role in Ohio State's 1944 Big Ten Championship. After serving in the US Maritime Service during WWII, he returned home and played football at Youngstown College as starting halfback before a knee injury essentially ended his football career. In 2013 he was inducted into Campbell Memorial High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Gene was a devoted Ohio State fan until the end. He also produced football histories of several local high school programs, preserving memories for many local football fans. Gene also enjoyed bowling and golfing, and truly loved playing piano, keyboard and accordion, most especially during the Christmas season.

Gene will sadly be missed by his surviving wife of 42 years, Betty Ann (Berlon); five children, Gene, Jr. of California, Raymond (Kathy) of North Lima, Monica Fabian of Struthers, Janet (Chuck) Kramer of Struthers, and Gerald (Yumary) of Indiana and a step-daughter, Debbie (Arthur) Kunz of Florida; eight grandchildren (Missy, Joe, Aaron, Jordan, Mackenzie, Ray, Sophie and Isabel; two step-grandchildren (Bob, Brooke); a great grandson (Seth) and two great step-grandsons (Caleb and Lucas), many nieces, nephews and cousins, and his beloved Schnauzers Liebchen and Emmie.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his six siblings, Mary, Elizabeth, John, Stephen, William and Earnest, along with his first wife and mother of his children, the former Monica Durina.

The family gratefully thanks the staff at Austin Woods and the Hospice of the Valley who provided fabulous care of Gene in his final days. Memorials can be made in his name to St. Mark's Orthodox Church, 3560 Logan Way, Youngstown, OH  44505.

The Janecko family has entrusted their loved one to the care of the Wasko Funeral Home and will receive family and friends Thursday from 4-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home and again, Friday morning from 10:30-11:00 a.m. at St. Mark's Orthodox Church, prior to the 11:00 a.m. funeral service.