John V. Janaitis, 87, of 11 Lake Ave., died Sunday, June 28, 2009 in St. Vincent Hospital at Worcester Medical Center. His wife of 60 years, Dorothy S. (Yuris) Janaitis, died in 2007.

    He leaves a son, Brian Janaitis of Oakham; two daughters: Donna Marie Rawson of Spencer and Karen Miles of Putnam, CT; two brothers: Charles Janaitis of Shrewsbury and Peter Janaitis of Enfield, CT; a sister, Ann Janaitis of Worcester; three grandchildren: Amanda Ratcliffe, Melissa Miles and Jennifer Janaitis; two great-grandsons: Bryan Ratcliffe and Jamison Deter; and nephews and nieces. He also leaves longtime family friends, Elizabeth Lavin and Loretta Jason and his caregiver and special friend, Mary Lavin, who helped make his life better. He was predeceased by a sister and five brothers: Mildred, Frank, Tony, Al, Joe and Benjamin. He was born in Worcester, a son of Sylvester and Bessie (Yeshiankas) Janaitis and lived here all his life.

    Mr. Janaitis was a laborer many years for Norton Co., before retiring. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II and served in Normandy, Northern France and Central Europe. John was a member of St. Casimir Church and was a volunteer for several parish activities. He enjoyed fishing and filling in crossword puzzles.

    The Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, July 2 at 10:00 am in St. Casimir Church, 41 Providence St. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Parish, 44 Temple St., Worcester, MA 01604.