William "Skip" Janey, II

The memorial service for William "Skip" Janey, II will be livestreamed via youtube, facebook and instagram.  

William “Skip” Henry Janey II was born on May 2, 1947, to William H. Janey and Hortense V. (Smith) Janey.  He was nicknamed Skipper by his mom because he was born on a very stormy night. Later as he grew into a young man everyone began calling him Skip.

Skip attended Boston English High School where he was a member of the Glee Club and was involved in other extra-curricular activities. He was also a proud member of the Associates Social Services Club. Skip loved to party and dance. In 1965 following high school graduation, he attended Airline Personnel School in Hartford Connecticut. Soon after he became employed at the New England Telephone Company for a short period time before enlisting in the United States Army in 1968. This was during the Vietnam era, but he was fortunate to be sent to a base in Germany in 1969 where he worked in Signal (Army Communication) until he received Honorable discharge in May 1971.

After Skip completed his military duty, he enrolled in the US Army National Guard at the encouragement of his father who was a colonel and knew the benefit of long-term military service. Skip returned to the Telephone company working as an installer and soon thereafter enrolled at Boston State College where he completed several courses.

In 1975, he reunited with his high school friend, Stephanie C. Talley. After dating for a couple of years they were married on June 10, 1978, and were blessed to raise a beautiful daughter, Erika. She was the apple of his eye. He loved her dearly and was a very proud father with bragging rights.

After becoming an Electrician’s Apprentice and working for Bennington Property Management, he became the Director for the Franklin Field Little City Hall under Mayor Kevin White. In 1983, Skip was hired as a laborer under the Carmen’s union local 589 for Engineering and Maintenance at the MBTA. He spent the rest of his employment career at the MBTA where he worked his way through the ranks and eventually made it to the position of Supervisor for Engineering and Maintenance. He was the first black person to ever hold this position. He managed the maintenance of every subway line in the system and was proud to not have had a derailment under his watch. He worked the night shift at the T for 13 years. Throughout his adult life he also held several part-time jobs often with little sleep. After 29 years of service, Skip retired from the T in 2012.

Skip’s other activities included Kiwanis Club of Roxbury where he served as a past president. He was a past president and an Emeritus Member of the Sportsmen’s Club of Greater Boston following in the legacy of his maternal grandfather, John Smith, who was an early member, and his father, William, along with his younger brother, Daniel.  Skip loved his many summer visits to the Club’s Armstrong Camps in West Gardner, Maine from the time he was a young child through adulthood along with his wife and daughter, many family members and friends.

Skip was a lifelong member of Twelfth Baptist Church (TBC). He had fond memories and stories to tell of his time in the Children’s Choir under Mrs. Clara Jenkins. He was also in the Baptist Youth Fellowship among other activities. Later he served as a member of the Board of Trustees following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Skip also served on the SAMH (Second African Meeting House) Board. During his retirement years, he became an avid baker. He enjoyed baking bread, pies, cakes, and muffins among other culinary delights. He was famously praised for the delicious baked goods that he preprepared for the Coffee Hour every Sunday at TBC.

William (Skip) H. Janey II was predeceased by his father William, his mother Hortense, and his brother Daniel. He leaves his brother Paul; wife, Stephanie C. (Talley); daughter, Erika G. (Janey) White (Torianio); grandsons, Justin D. White and Devin T. White; aunt, Claudia Janey; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins along with many friends who adored him.

If attending the service please be mindful MASKS ARE REQUIRED. Thank you 

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