GEORGE V. JANIS: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George Janis, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend who left us October 3, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on February 14, 1934, in Cleveland, Ohio. George was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and his cherished great-granddaughter Peyton. George is survived by his wife of 68 years, MaryAnn (nee DeLuca); his daughters Kathy Holecek (Jim), and Linda Smolik (Mark); grandchildren Sarah, Allyson, Jim, and Matthew; and great-grandchildren Madison, Ruth, Lillian, and Paige. George grew up within walking distance of St. Stanislaus Church in Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended grade school. He graduated from the former Saint Stanislaus high school in June 1954 where he served as Treasurer of the Student Government prior to his graduation. Upon graduation, George continued his studies at John Carroll University until he was drafted to serve in the United States Army during the Korean War. On leaving the Army, George began his life-long career in business and accounting working for General Motors. An entrepreneur at heart, George left GM and joined his father-in-law, Nicholas DeLuca and his two brothers in law, Marvin and Francis DeLuca at DeLuca Chrysler Plymouth. The four of them went on to build one of the most respected and well-established auto dealerships on what would become known as the "Bedford Automile". On the passing of family patriarch, Nick Deluca and his son, Francis, George and his brother-in-law Marvin acquired joint ownership of the dealership. Together they added the Jeep franchise to the dealership and became known as DeLuca Chrysler Jeep. George went on to serve in various leadership positions with the Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers Association. Family and his catholic faith were the center of George's life. He cherished the countless memories that came from being a husband, father, father-in-law, grand-father, and great grand-father. George and his wife Mary Ann created many lasting and cherished memories for the family visiting and vacationing over the years as a family at their villa on Hilton Head Island.  Known as Poppi to his grandchildren, George always had a smile and took great pleasure creating memories his family would not soon forget and life lessons they would appreciate forever. Memorial contributions are suggested in George's name to St. Jude Children's Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105. Friends may call at the FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME 356 W. AURORA RD. (ST. RT. 82) SAGAMORE HILLS FOR VISITATION TUESDAY 3:00-7:00PM. All are asked to gather at St. Rita Catholic Church 32820 Baldwin Ave. Solon, Wednesday for a Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate George's life at 10:00AM. Interment All Saints Cemetery.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Web: https://tinyurl.com/ycpluxgj