Roger Joseph Janis

Roger Joseph Janis, 81 of Kingwood, WV, passed away on February 17, 2022, at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital with his family by his side.

He was born in Gallitzin, PA on August 25, 1940 to the late Rose Gaydos and Frank Janis. After leaving high school he joined the United States Navy where he served nine years as a radioman. He served on the USS Johnston (DD821) destroyer and completed a three-year tour in Oslo, Norway during his time as a sailor.

After leaving the Navy, he moved to West Virginia and began working for AT&T International Earth Station in Etam, WV in 1969. He was a Satellite Communications Technician until his retirement in 2002, completing 33 years of service. He was a member of the CWA union and the Telephone Pioneers.

He was active in the Kingwood community for many years. He was a Councilman for the City in the 1970’s where he assisted in getting funding for the building of the Civic Center and also served on the Zoning Board for the City. He was Scout Master of the Kingwood Boy Scouts, he helped start the Civic Center Basketball program, worked with the Kingwood Pop Warner Football program and Little League Baseball program, member of the Central Preston Band Boosters, member of and held many offices including President of the Kingwood Lions Club and the Kingwood Kiwanis Club, member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, a lifetime member of Kingwood VFW Post 826 and was a volunteer for the 1985 Flood Cleanup.

He was an avid Mountaineer and Pittsburgh Steeler fan. He enjoyed his season football tickets for many years until his health declined.

He is survived by his loving wife Zoe of 59 years: three children, Paula Janis of Kingwood, Rick (Ranaee) Janis of Chester, VA, Tonya Janis and companion Mark Knuckles of Millersville, MD; 2 grandchildren, Ryan Janis of Chester, VA and Rachel Janis and fiancé Zack Hamm of Killen, AL; sister Neva (Bob) Stevens of Tucson, AZ; Goddaughter, Sherry (Jake) Sopko of Medina Ohio; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by a brother, Larry Janis of Nanty Glo, PA; a nephew, Craig Stevens of Tucson, AZ.

Friends may call at the Rotruck-Lobb Kingwood Chapel, 295 South Price Street on Thursday, February 24, 2022, from 12:00 noon until the time of the funeral service in the funeral home chapel at 3:00 p.m. with Reverend Brian Detrick officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Kingwood. Military Honors will be accorded by the Preston County and the U.S. Navy Honor Guards.

Masks and social distancing are recommended.

Personal condolences may be offered to the family online at http://www.rotruck-lobb.com

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