Obituary of Ronald Joseph Janowski

Ronald Joseph Janowski September 20, 1941 - September 20, 2016 You can take the man out of the military, but not the military out of the man. It came as no surprise that Ron passed away on his 75th birthday. Always a lover of structure and discipline, with a touch of obstinance, he would not have had it any other way. His birthday also closes the chapter on his 10-year struggle with Alzheimer's - it was on his 65th birthday present of sky-diving with his daughter Franci that the disease was first diagnosed. Ron J. Janowski was born in Worcester, MA, the first son of Chester and Doris Janowski. He grew up in Holden, MA, graduating from Wachusett High School in 1959. He enlisted in the Navy, becoming a part of the air crew in the Vietnam War, retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in Brunswick. He later pursued his college degree and received it at the same time as his wife and daughter in 1990. He had a wide range of interests: Avid gardener, Chef Extraordinaire, cribbage, and music that he sang and whistled to right up to the end. He loved camping, fishing and canoeing with his brothers Chet, Paul, and best friend Bill White. Most of all, he loved to laugh and he loved life. Ron leaves behind his loving wife Donna Janowski; daughter Franci Janowski; son-in-law Morgan Sheafer; stepson Jason Higgins; siblings: Chester and Nancy Janowski, Paul and Paula Janowski, best friend William White; nieces, nephews and many friends. The light of my life has gone out, but now I have a light from above. Interment will be at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta, with military honors. Arrangements are under the care of Direct Cremation of Maine, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast. Memories and condolences may be shared at directcremationofmaine.com.