Anthony John 'Tony' Janz

Anthony John 'Tony' Janz, 81, of Orrville, passed away unexpectedly at his home Thursday, October 19, 2023. Tony was born in Cleveland July 13, 1942 to the late William and Ruth (Rohm) Janz and served in the U.S. Navy from 1959-1963 having served on the USS Shenandoah. On June 5, 1966 he married Dorothy D. Purkey and she survives. Tony worked as a painter and had made his home in Brunswick prior to moving to the Orrville area. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Smithville, the V.F.W. and the American Legion. Tony enjoyed fishing, reading and going to the horse races and he loved spending time with his family. Surviving is his wife, Dorothy, of 57 years; children, Donna (Charles 'Tuck') Tucker of Orrville, Ronnie Lee (Molly) Birchfield of Orrville, and David (Sandy) Birchfield of Green; eleven grandchildren including his granddaughter, Tonya (Dale) Wade of Fredericksburg that he raised; eight great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; as well as a brother, Bill (Kathy) Janz of Sterling; and sisters, Janice Bukczar and Patty (Frank) Esposito both of Brunswick. He was preceded in death by sons, Don Birchfield and John Anthony Janz; his parents; and a grandson, Charlie Hinkle. A celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 12 Noon at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Smithville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Apple Creek Fire and Rescue, 34900 S. Apple Creek Rd., Apple Creek, OH 44606.