As we watch, Paul's castle in Dover is being painted inside and out by two Mexican gentlemen who work long hours each day. Paul dreamed to do this himself. Thus, in a small way, Paul's house here reminds us of his labors of love for others.

I have been thinking about Paul today and knew it was time to pay tribute to his wonderful life. As Paul's cousin I have known him 67 years. He had a sweet gentleness about him with a smile enhanced  by those beautiful dimples. When younger we saw each other's families pretty much weekly. They usually came to Welland on Sunday's and was an adventure for us visiting Lackawanna. I do remember 181 Center St. with the bakery across the street(delicious whip cream cake), their aunt's store,butter lambs and the beautiful church at the top of the street where we turned.
           I realize how much I have missed after reading the heartfelt tributes from his theatre and church families. I would have loved to see him act.He looked very angry in the 12 Angry Men photo. Hard to imagine Paul angry. You are missed Paul you have touched so many hearts. Peace dear cousin.


Wonderful tribute movie. Paul knew how to live life to its fullest and surround himself with good friends.  

In 1983, our family moved to Dover where we met Paul, when my husband and our son, Jude,  joined the  Holy Cross contemporary choir. Because I was a drama teacher in PA, Fr. Peterman asked me to direct GODSPELL for  our parish. Carman, the choir director at that time, asked that I consider someone Jesus’ age to play the role of Jesus. I cast Paul Janiga in this role three different years. Each production was a success because musically, he was perfect for the role and personally, Paul was so creative, humble,  and genuine in his interpretation of the gospel parables. Our friendship continued as he became my music director for many Central Middle School, Polytech, and Children’s Theatre musicals. Twice we did BYE BYE BIRDIE,  where he thoroughly loved the role of Albert’s mama. She wore big galoshes and a fur coat and always called Albert, “Sonny Boy.” Once Paul’s own mother passed, he called me Mama, and he referred to himself as Sonny Boy. For 40 years, we have shared so many highs and lows; we were there for each other, always. Paul even flew to Vancouver to sing at our son’s wedding. Our entire family is hurting as we did not get to say goodbye, but Paul always knew how much a part of our family that he was. 
R.I.P., Sonny Boy.
❤️  (Your surrogate Mama) 
            Sharon Crossen

Regardless of the many ways over many years that we knew Paul, we are reminded by our memories of him to live joyfully and generously.
	In thinking of this wonderful man, we are reminded that he knew it was joyful to be alive and that compassion is a core evidence of that joy.
	After forty years as a neighbor and theatre lover, we remember that he could turn the most casual encounter into a comedy routine that made you glad to be alive. In using his many talents, he encouraged it in others.
	Somehow Paul has made it easier to grow older ourselves.
Laude! Laudate, Dear Friend! 


  I met Paul through the Kent County Theater Guild.  He was truly the most kind man I have ever met.  He was always good and true.  I have acted with Paul.  And I have been directed by Paul and I always enjoyed working with him.   Over the past 5 years Paul, Terri Thompson and Roxanne Dunlop and I have had lunch together every Friday.  We called ourselves The Lunch Bunch.  Every one of us looked forward to those Friday lunches when we could linger over our meal and catch up with each other.  We laughed a lot and were frequently the loudest table in the restaurant of the day.  The last lunch we shared was at Rancho Azteca and I can still see him walking across the floor to our table, grinning at me.  I will always remember him that way.  He had the most beautiful smile.   Paul, we will miss you so much.  

Paul was my roommate at RPI for 2 years. I don’t think I ever knew anyone with more talents. I always remember how he enjoyed working at the local North Troy museum. 

Paul lived the Catholic faith in a vibrant, attractive way.  His beautiful voice cantoring Masses at Holy Cross echoes in my mind.  His devotion to our Blessed Lady as evidenced by his providing music for our May crowning prayer services was inspiring.  Rest in Peace dear Paul.

Paul Janiga performed with dance companies in Dover, all the community theatres in Kent and Sussex counties and was the conductor of the Holy Cross Contemporary Choir. 
I first met Paul working on Margaret Storey’s production of South Pacific. The set was being stored in the old Richardson Robbins plant which would become his future workplace at DNREC. 
He would work there with Lloyd Alexander, Peder Hansen & the Polos. 
He created the Plaza Placards for ecarte in the late 80’s & early 90’s along with performing in several pieces.
He performed as Drosselmeyer for Dance Conservatory for many years. 
His set design at the KCTG led him to develop his use of blues & tans as signatory colors along with his red bird on every set. He performed in the fund raisers with the Guild. 
He was seen in Godspell, Les Mis, Little Shop, Waiting Around, Drowsy Chaperone, Dames at Sea and myriads of singing and character roles for KCTG, 2nd Street Players & Possum Point Players. 
He also directed several productions for these groups. Nunsense II The Second Coming at 2nd Street was a marvelous rendering of Paul’s humor and allowed him to shine  through the characters & cast of that production.
His love and support far outshone any other aspect of his life. He was a gentle loving man, who brought joy & laughter to his friends & family. 
Cobalt blue, winged angels & clouds await!
Much love to you, Paulie.

Willie and the whole Janiga family
Thank you for sharing him with all of us,
Ginger Angstadt 

Dear Kevin, William and family.

It is with a heavy heart that i heard about the passing of your brother Paul.  My two sisters and I have shared many wonderful memories of your family, and all the kids we grew up with in the old neighborhood. 
WE all have moved away now but we take our memories with us.
Take care, God Bless . Much Love.
Ann (Druzbik), John and Paul Przybylo

Rest in peace Brother Paul. You were a true leader and guide to all of us involved with the music ministry  at Holy Cross. You helped me to be the best tenor I could be. Thank you my friend.

We sang with Paul in the Holy Cross Ensemble choir for 30+ years, rehearsing at our house for all those years. He and I worked with students in the Polytech production of Bye Bye Birdie with Sharon Crossen directing. We were "extras" in one scene where he played my boyfriend. That became my nickname for him. He was the reason we (mostly) stopped in all the right places when recording the many Mike Perza Holy Cross cds. I'm so grateful his beautiful voice remains with us on these recordings. I am also grateful for good memories and the lasting gifts he brought to Dover.

So thankful for all the wonderful & fun memories we all had hanging around on Gravel Street in Lackawanna .  We were all one big Family of Friends .  I have just recently been keeping in touch with Paul .  His smile tells it all , such a sweet soul .  I am still shocked knowing he is gone .  You are going to be missed .  Peace to you Paul 

I grew up with Paul, part of Center St gang. We grew up together, went to school together, sadly went our separate ways, but always in my thoughts, such a talented painter especially loved his portraits.My condolences to Kevin, William and families.  Cathy Druzbik Szramka

Being a member of the Holy Cross traditional and ensemble choirs in Dover DE, it will be hard not to hear 'Watch Paul" again, in leading us to pray our music in the best possible way. I will miss his presence and steady, beautiful voice. Eternal rest, and please now intercede mightily for us!

REST IN PEACE  my Dear fellow classmate at Lackawanna HS.-Class of 1974.

-Jim Kij

Paul did such wonderful painting of sets and backdrops.  I remember on some shows he would still be adding touches to parts of the set almost to the opening, and sometimes even later. He will be greatly missed.

Paul and I performed in many musicals together, He played my Husband in Sondheim's Putting it Together, our many years of doing Delaware Unleashed, but my favorite was when he was Meat in our Four Course Nightmare. Paul you are sorely missed.

So so sorry to learn you are gone, Paul. Having just seen you so recently and taking for granted you would be failing yet another foster addition and be back in the gallery soon to pick up a painting, I write these words in hopes that you will read them as this just doesn’t seem possible.  Difficult to put thoughts together that are meaningful at moment but you will be forever missed more than words can ever say. Taylor Collins

I am so sorry for your loss.  I graduated high school with Paul.

Paul and I went to high school together. We shared our interest in music via band and the Latin Club. He and his friend Stanley took me to the RPI big red freak out.  That was quite the experience. He had an engineering mind but also that creative side. 

As someone one said, he is singing with the angels. 

I first met Paul in the fall of 1999, when we were both cast in a musical version of "It's A Wonderful Life". From those very first rehearsals, I could see what a talented and kind man he was. Our paths have crossed over the years (usually in theatrical settings), and my first impression of him never changed. He had such a sweet spirit about him, and I am glad I had the opportunity to know him. In the words of Clarence, the angel in "Wonderful Life": "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?" Paul leaves a hole here in lower Delaware the size of the Grand Canyon. Rest in peace, Paul, and thank you for sharing YOUR wonderful life with us.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Paul Joseph Janiga

31 mai 1956 – 11 juillet 2023

Hoy Funeral Home

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