Charles William Janda

Charles (Chuck) W. Janda passed away peacefully February 13, 2020. Chuck was born March 7, 1935 in Baltimore, MD to the late Anton and Olivia Janda. As the United States anticipated WW II, Anton moved his family to San Diego, CA in 1937 when Chuck was two years old. Chuck spent his youth growing up doing what most boys did during the 1940s and early 1950s, hanging out with his siblings and neighborhood buddies – no doubt getting into a reasonable amount of trouble. At the age of 18, Chuck enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served for four years, spending time in Biloxi, MS and Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada.

Chuck met the love of his life, RoseAnn Taormina, near the end of his Air Force duty. Chuck and RoseAnn were married June 29, 1957. Once married, Chuck wasted no time advancing his education, beginning his career and starting his family – nearly simultaneously. Chuck attended San Jose State University during the day, helped RoseAnn raising not one, not two but four children - all the while working for Sylvania at night. The fifth child showed up as Chuck graduated SJSU with a B.S. degree in Mathematics. Chuck witnessed firsthand the growth and ingenuity of Silicon Valley during his employment with Sylvania, Teledyne, Coherent, TTI and eventually, Octel Communications from where he retired after a 30+ year career as a Quality Assurance Manager. Being in the field of QA, Chuck’s motto was “do it right, the FIRST time.” An expert in math and the field of quality assurance sure put pressure on his five children. Chuck expected nothing but the best from his kids and emphasized to all the critical importance of hard work, teamwork and education. Chuck saw all five of his children graduate college, grow in careers of their own, marry and raise their own families. This was by far his greatest joy. Although, landing a 55” sturgeon out of San Francisco Bay was a close second.

Chuck’s other passion was fishing which prompted his boat purchase and retirement on his 65th birthday. Chuck enjoyed so many years teaching his kids and grandkids to swim, ski and fish at his “home away from home” in Discovery Bay. He loved traveling with RoseAnn, raising his family and being Grampachuck. His best times were when the entire family was together for BBQ that only he could do! Chuck was generous with his time and talents. You could often find him at home working on projects around the house, manicuring his lawn, repairing his (and others’) cars or hanging out with the neighbors sharing stories. He will be truly missed by all that knew and loved him.

Chuck was preceded in death by his beloved wife, RoseAnn, of nearly 62 years; devoted father of Jeff (Rita), Ron (Judy), Jennifer (Derek), Greg (Kristin) and Gerry (Jeanette); brother of Helena (Frank), Paul (Lorna), Ralph (Genevieve) and Marilyn; beloved brother-in-law of Marlene (Marko) and Joe (Patricia). Loving Grampachuck of Matthew (Desiree), Justin (Cecilia), Annette (Jared), David, Adam, Elise, Cassidy, Peytin, Benjamin, Nathan and Great-Grampa to Kai, Abigail, Jacob and Liam as well as uncle to nearly two dozen nieces and nephews. A memorial Mass will be held at The Church of the Transfiguration Thursday March 5, 2020 at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Church of the Transfiguration of which Chuck and RoseAnn were founding and devoted members for 55 years.