On November 29, John Jansak, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away at the age of 85. Adored husband of Judy; devoted father of Peggy Burke, Kathryn Jansak, and Trish Lewis; loving grandfather of Conor Burke, Caitlin Burke, and Colby Lewis. Also survived by his dear cat, Thor.

John was born in the Lower East Side of New York City and spent summers at a family farm in Herkimer, New York. He met the love of his life, Judy, in the City while both were attending college and working in a bookstore. They were married for 65 years.

John and  Judy moved down to Baltimore where he spent many years at the Health Care Financing Administration. With the help of Judy, he attended law school at night while working full time with three small children. After leaving government service, he established a successful private law practice.

John and Judy enjoyed their life together with their family, driving across the United States and down to Mexico with their three daughters and later taking their three grandchildren on tours to Europe. He was never too busy to comment on school work or pick up a child's call at work. He also bonded with a succession of family cats, most recently exploring the challenge of leash training.

An avid athlete and fan, John engaged in sports his entire life at different times playing football, ice hockey, tennis and enjoying downhill skiing, and, even in his early 80s, cross-country skiing.  He also enjoyed sailing and flying. Above all, he loved to golf with his family and friends and also enjoyed frequent visits to the driving range. He maintained this passion during his final years. John was proud of the fellow athletes in the family, attending his daughter's field hockey, tennis, and basketball games, and cheering his grandchildren on from T-ball to college baseball.

During the last quarter of his life, John and Judy travelled frequently to a second home in Cape Neddick, Maine, which he loved dearly. Living minutes from a golf course and the ocean, in retirement he volunteered at the York Land Trust. Judy and John welcomed summertime visits from their grandchildren with excursions to places like the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame, Montreal, and the Isles of Shoals.

John could be found reading a book or newspaper while watching a game or the news on TV--in front of a fire during the winter.  He also enjoyed a good meal out.  A quiet man who spoke only when there was something to be said or a quip to be had, he'll be missed by everyone who had the joy to meet him.

Internment private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John's name to the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children's Hospital .