January 2, 2023
Kenneth L. Janey, Jr. died peacefully on December 31 after a long illness. In his final days, he was surrounded lovingly by family and friends.
Ken graduated from Hingham High School in 1972. In middle school he was selected for the academically talented class (ATC), an accelerated curriculum for gifted and talented students. Over the four years of the program Ken’s ATC cohort formed very strong bonds of friendship which endure to this day and many of his classmates, ATC and beyond, gathered with family by his bedside through his final days.
Ken held a variety of positions during his working life but, he spent most of it as a journeyman sprinkler fitter; he was a proud member of the Sprinkler Fitters Local Union 550. He grew up in Hingham Massachusetts and, once established in his profession, had a beautiful Cape Cod style home built in Rockland MA where he lived until he suffered his first stroke in 2011. Despite his career in the trades, Ken may have missed his true calling as a gourmet chef. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of recipes and cooking techniques and was always available to his adoring niece Keir for a kitchen consult. The thoroughness of his expertise also extended to other passions including gardening, birdwatching, and vintage TV programs.
Ken was an excellent golfer, successful at all aspects of the sport except in passing his passion for it on to his younger brother. Fortunately, he was able to infuse his nephew with the golfing bug and Devin still uses the ancient putter Ken gifted to him many years ago. Ken was known for his quick wit and always drew energy from engaging with people. He made a point of knowing each employee by name in every store and office he frequented, and they knew him. He touched so many with his warm and gregarious ways and was always quick with a joke, a laugh, and a smile.
Ken is survived his brother David W. Janey and his wife Debra J. Robbin of Hingham MA, his nephew Devin C. Janey and his wife Erica M. Samalis of Washington DC, his niece Keir C. Janey of Dorchester MA, his sister Peggy O’Connor and niece Catherine O’Connor of Greenfield MA and dozens of close family and friends across the country.
At the family’s request, memorial donations may be made in Ken’s name to the Hingham Food Pantry, 685 Main St., Hingham, MA 02043. A memorial service will take place at a later date in the Spring. For more information and online guestbook go to www.downingchapel.com