Obituaries

Jerry Janis

Jerry Janis of Jamesport, N.Y., passed away at home on Nov. 16, 2012, with his children and beloved wife, Lore, at his side. Jerry had battled Parkinson’s disease for nearly 18 years.

Those who knew Jerry best knew him as a good-hearted, quiet man whose life revolved around his family and friends. Considered a prominent builder, Jerry was part owner of Twin Builders and enjoyed a long and successful career with his identical twin brother, Raymond Janis Jr. Building lavish homes on the East End of Long Island was essential to Jerry’s happiness and was what made him proud.

His hobbies included cooking Chinese food and, in his earlier years, clamming in our local waters. Jerry learned to cook authentic Chinese food, preparing amazing meals for his family and friends. He eventually expanded his talents and, with his wife, began catering private parties in the Hamptons.

Jerry was always proud to have been a member of Riverhead High School’s sports teams. His most memorable moments included playing alongside his brother on the Blue Waves’ 1953 championship football team. His enthusiasm was later felt by his children when he would make the time to coach them on their sports teams.

Jerry, aka “Jake,” could always be heard telling the story of his birth — how he and his brother were delivered by caesarean section on Jan. 23, 1935, in a snowstorm, with the help, over the telephone, of a physician from New York. They are on record as the first caesarean twins born at Eastern Long Island Hospital.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Hannelore; five children, Jerry Jr., of Milwaukee, Wis., Heidi Henningsen of Port St. Lucie, Fla., Brian, of Jamul, Calif., Timothy, of Sunnyside, N.Y., and Andrew, of Laurel, N.Y.; two stepchildren, Lorraine Lul of Riverhead, N.Y., and Joseph Metz of Hampton Bays, N.Y.; seven grandchildren; and five step-grandchildren.

This is a paid notice.