George R. Janofsky

February 3, 1929 – May 25, 2026

George R. Janofsky, O.D., beloved father, grandfather, veteran, optometrist, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026, at the age of 97.

Born to George J. and Georgia (Morken) Janofsky, George lived a life centered on service, faith, family, and kindness. He graduated from Kelvin Park High School and attended Wright Junior College, the University of Chicago, the Illinois College of Optometry, and later the University at Buffalo Medical School.

George proudly served as a U.S. Army SP3 medic during the Korean War, serving in Korea and Japan. While stationed overseas, he reunited with his fiancée, Marion Reiten, who traveled to Japan by freighter, where they were married.

Following his military service, George practiced optometry in Chicago with Dr. Peter Johnson before moving to Western New York, where he worked with Dr. Art Schaefer and later Dr. Ed Mehl in East Aurora and Arcade. He spent decades caring for patients with warmth, compassion, and integrity. In 1999, he was honored as the New York State Optometric Association’s “Optometrist of the Year.”

George was deeply involved in his community and church. He served as past president of the Parkside Lutheran Church Council, the Western New York Optometric Association, and the East Aurora Rotary Club. A devoted Rotarian for over 50 years, he received four Paul Harris Awards and was an honorary member of the Lions Club.

George was predeceased by his wives, Marion T. Janofsky (Reiten) and Violette Janofsky (Mehl Main).

He is survived by his children: George Janofsky (Charles Ciali), Rosemary Janofsky, Janet McClean (Mark McClean), and Mark Janofsky (Caroline Janofsky); and by his stepchildren: William Barnes (Priscilla Barnes), Jody Kelley, Leslie Wade (Timothy Wade), David Mehl (Jennifer Mehl), and Laura (the late Sandy) Mehl.

George was the proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

He loved travel, conversation, learning, and time spent with family and friends. He will be remembered for his gentle nature, wisdom, humor, and the kindness he showed to everyone he met.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.