Mr. Robert William "Bob" Janda

UTICA- Mr. Robert William “Bob” Janda passed away at the age of 73 on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 in the comfort and dignity of his home and in the company of his daughter, to be reunited with his beloved wife. Bob was born in Elmhurst, IL on February 4, 1949 to the late Robert and Geraldine Janda. Bob’s love story began in Illinois where he met his beloved Mary Ann Bartels at their high school bus stop while they were attending York High. In 1973, they exchanged their vows and love for one another. In 1987 the couple came with their daughters to Utica when Mary Ann had an opportunity to accept a position as an English Professor at Utica College. This showed his support for her occupation and he took on the role of stay-at-home dad, long before that was popular! It made for the best family wellbeing. It was Friday November 12, 2021 that his beloved Mary Ann passed from this earth. Things were never the same after that, and Bob tried to do the best he could to overcome certain health conditions. Bob’s education initially concentrated in Automotive Engineering, and then when he came to Utica he received a BA in History from Utica College. Locally he worked at FASFA Data followed by APAC, the company from which he retired, in the mailroom department. He was a car enthusiast and loved attending Indy Car races as often as he could. He favored the Ferrari because the engineering was superior and he understood the specifications of the design. He was a miniaturist and his designs were perfect—he constructed many model Ferraris and ships which adorn his cabinets at home. As a historian, he was very interested in the American Civil War and was fascinated by the battles and the styles of combat. He loved breaking down the most intricate details of geography and natural history into understandable knowledge that he could share even with youngest of persons. He was a Leftist when it came to politics, and he was proud of his belief system. Bob was a true humanitarian, an optimist, and was invested in life. He loved camping up north. Bob and Mary Ann traveled and enjoyed it very much, but home was always where he was most comfortable. He was proud to wear his dad’s US Naval Jacket, which bore his dad’s name and VFW Post 535, Chicago. Bob was an introvert but had a special talent for getting through to people, and that is seen as one of his most special and greatest accomplishments. Bob is survived by his daughters, Mary Elizabeth “Maisie” Janda, and Marlene and Bea McJanda. He is also survived by his siblings, William Janda and Matthew Peppler, and Martin Janda and the late Bill Monroe. He is also survived by his cousin, Donna Oborski; and his good friends, Dan Hapanowicz, with whom he shared a love of good old rock & roll, and Jim Amado with whom he shared a love of automotives. In addition to his own parents, he was predeceased by his in-laws, Alfred and Mary Bartels, of whom he was very fond. Bob’s family would like to extend a special thank you to all his caretakers who tended to him in his times of need, showing compassion and care. His family will keep close the memories of a man who truly touched their hearts.

Mr. Robert William "Bob" Janda

February 4, 1949 - December 14, 2022