Ray S. Janko, of Carmel died at 12:20 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2015, the Feast of Saint Josemaria Escriva, at Saint Augustine’s Home in Indianapolis, where he had spent the last two months of his life under the compassionate care of the Little Sisters of the Poor. He was born on November 29, 1940, in New York, NY, the son of Olga V. Meszaros and Harry D. Janko.

Ray grew up in Brooklyn, NY, learning retail sales under his father’s mentorship while working for several clothing companies. A devoted son, he moved with his parents to Toledo, OH, continued his work in sales, and joined the Ohio Army National Guard. In 1978, he and his parents moved to Carmel, IN, and shortly thereafter he met Laurie and her son, Joshua. In 1983, Ray and Laurie joined hands in marriage, and Ray adopted Joshua. Over the years, Ray developed a love for photography, enjoying taking pictures of his son’s sporting events and nature. Ray also spent time leading local Boy Scout Troop #131 in Carmel.

Ray’s wife was diagnosed with cancer in 2000 and her illness prompted him to think more about the Catholic faith. At Laurie’s funeral the following year, Ray began his journey to full communion in the Church, which culminated with his Baptism and Confirmation in 2003 at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Carmel. Ray became a devoted parishioner active in a long list of ministries including vocations, pro life efforts, adult faith formation, and Eucharistic Adoration. He was a Eucharistic Minister and a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus.

Ray’s proudest moment as a member of the Catholic Church was when his son Joshua was ordained a priest on June 3, 2006. They enjoyed going on pilgrimages together to Toronto for World Youth Day with Saint John Paul II, Fatima, Lourdes, and Avila as well as Rome, where he touched the hand of Pope Benedict XVI.

Ray is survived by one son, Fr. Joshua Janko of Fishers, IN. He was preceded in death by his unborn daughter Bernadette and wife Laurie Janko. Ray leaves behind a legacy of deep and meaningful friendships with whomever he met and wherever he met them. He will spend his Heaven doing good on earth.

Visitation for Ray will be at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 10655 Haverstick Road, Carmel, IN, on Tuesday, June 30, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., followed by Eucharistic Adoration from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday July 1, after additional Visitation and Rosary at 9:30 a.m. On Friday, July 3, at 12:30 p.m., a Final Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 2212 Rte 44 55, Gardiner, NY. Young-Nichols Funeral Home, Tipton is in charge of the arrangements.

It was Ray’s wish that any memorial contributions be made to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in support of the Pro Life Committee, the Eucharistic Adoration Ministry towards their new tabernacle, and Saint Augustine’s Home in Indianapolis, IN.