Joseph J. Janaitis, 86.

AUBURN Joseph J. Janaitis, 86, of Field St., died Friday September 7th in the Dodge Park Rest Home, Worcester.

His beloved wife Helen T. (Biegay) Janaitis died in 1996.

He leaves his three children, Patricia E. Janaitis of Auburn, Michael J. Janaitis and his wife Cheryl of Jefferson, and Helen C. Hurley and her husband James of Worester; his three brothers, John Janaitis of Worcester, Charles Janaitis of Shrewsbury, and Peter Janaitis of Thompsonville, CT; his sister, Ann Janaitis of Millbury; his three grandchildren, Timothy M., Laura A., and Sharon M. Janaitis, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his four bothers, Frank B., Benjamin, Anthony, and Allen Janaitis, and his sister, Mildred Swidrak.

He was born in Worcester, son of the late Sylvester and Barbara (Cinsky) Janaitis and has lived in Auburn for many years. He was a proud veteran of World War II, serving in the US Army in the European African Middle Eastern, and Asiatic Pacific Theaters as a Military Policeman.

Mr. Janaitis retired in 1981 from the Wyman-Gordon Co., Worcester plant, where he worked as a forge shop inspector. He was a member of North American Martyrs Parish in Auburn, a member and past president of the Elm Hill Civic Club, and had served as a town meeting member for Auburn for several years. He was also a past member of the Lithuanian War Veterans Club. He loved sports, especially the New York Yankees.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, September 11th from 5-8 PM in Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central St., Auburn. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, September 12th from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 AM in North American Martyrs Church, 8 Wyoma Dr., Auburn. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester. If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the Dodge Park Rest Home, 101 Randolph Rd., Worcester, MA 01606 or to a charity of the donor's choice. For directions or to share a message of sympathy with the Janaitis family, please visit

www.brittonfuneralhomes.com