Emil (Sal) Janke

Emil (Sal) Janke, a longtime resident of Locke NY, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was 83 years old. 

The son of the late Thomas and Eleanor (Lubrano) Janke, he was born on Feb. 22, 1940, in Crawford, N.Y. 

Sal retired from his custodial position at Tompkins Cortland Community College after 25 years and before that time he was a member of the laborers’ union, Local 17 for nearly 15 years. 

Sal was a man of steadfast faith and character with a love of God, family, cars, and country music. He was known to all for his kindness and eagerness to help anyone in need. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family and in the garage tinkering with one of his classic cars. And if you ever heard Sal speak, you know that his deep raspy voice and word choice was like no other. The way he spoke could make us smile, laugh, cry, and snap to attention with a simple “Hey!”. God surely broke the mold after making Sal! 

He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Candice Janke. The proud father of James Janke (Maribeth), John Janke (Jennifer), Jennie DeBruyn (Doug), and Natalie DeBruyn (Mitch). He was also blessed to have four grandchildren that he was so proud of and adored: Alex, Ben, Emma, and Colton Janke. He is also survived by his former wife Cheryl Dykens, his niece Judi Nelson (Stann), nephew Luke Janke Jr. (Janice) and many other nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Luke Janke, Thomas Janke and his wife Brenda, Mary Depew and her husband Paul, and Eleanor Eignor; her husband Elmer and their two children Eleanor and Edward. 

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle and will be forever missed. 

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.