Harold M Janinda's Obituary
Harold Martin Janinda Obituary
Harold M. Janinda, age 89, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2020 at the Oaks of Clearwater, accompanied by his second wife after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Harold was born on August 9, 1930 in Columbus, NY to the late Michael and Elizabeth Janinda. He was raised on the family farm in Sherburne, NY, later moved to Trumbull, CT, and lastly resided in Largo, Fl.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Odessa Janinda and ex-wife of 37 years, Dorothy Beno. Harold is also survived by his daughter, Joy Smith of Dunbarton, NH; son, Gary Janinda of Hopkinton, NH; grandson, Robert Hammond and granddaughters, Katherine Swartz, Maddison Janinda and Jessica Janinda; as well as a son-in-law and daughter-in-law; great-grandchildren; cousins; nieces and nephews; and stepdaughter Sandra Bowden and step-grandchildren.
Harold graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point in 1955 with a bachelor’s in engineering and served honorably in the U.S. Merchant Marines and Navy Reserves. He also earned a master’s in business administration.
Harold’s travels as a Merchant Marine took him around the world and across the equator. As a civilian engineer, Harold was a key component to the success of the U.S. missile silos; and developed fiber optics, lasers, silicone molds and metals fabrication in a R & D research capacity. He also tried out for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955 but family trumped a baseball career.
After completing a MBA, Harold acquired and managed the family business, Westbank Food Shop, located in Westport, CT, where he personally shopped for meats and fresh local and imported produce at the NY City markets.
Semi-retirement landed Harold in Largo, FL where he worked under Karleen DeBlaker, Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court, for several years until fully retiring at age 71. He was known for his personal customer service and as the mediator for employee conflicts.
Harold held many leadership and volunteer positions in his church as well as Indian Guides, Little League, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, the Masons, local governments and the Republican party, and as a cadet while at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He was an avid chess player, baseball aficionado and collector, and enjoyed patriotic musical marches.
We will miss his keen wit and sense of humor, his ingenuity, his love of God and country, and love for his family. Information is forthcoming regarding a Celebration of Life service in consideration of current COVID-19 restrictions. He will also be honored with a private family burial at sea.
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