Michael Noel Janovitch

Michael Noel Janovitch was born in Los Angeles, California, on July 5, 1945, to Samuel Janovitch and Anita Rose Janovitch, later Albeck. He passed away after a courageous battle with lung cancer on September 10, 2026, in Yakima, Washington. Although his battle was brief, Michael faced it with the same strength, courage, and determination that defined his life.

Michael was a proud and dedicated veteran who took great pride in serving his country. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1966 serving four years before continuing his career in the United States Army and later the Army Reserve. In total, he proudly gave more than 20½ years of his life.

Michael then dedicated much of his life to helping children and families. He worked as a psychologist for the Yakima School District for 47 years. He had deep compassion and genuinely cared about the countless lives he touched throughout his career.

Michael had a tremendous passion for music. He began playing the piano as a young child and later learned to play many different instruments. Music remained an important part of his life, and he had the opportunity to play trumpet in the Yakima Community Band and their Jazz Band.

Above all, Michael was a loving husband, father, brother, godfather, and friend. He married his beloved wife, Donna Susan (Towell) Janovitch, 50 years ago on June 20, 1976, in Marina del Ray, California. Together they built a life and a family filled with love, memories, and laughter.

During the final months of his life, Michael was lovingly cared for by his son, Jason, and his family’s “adopted” daughter and longtime family friend, Melissa Lowry. They remained by his side and cared for him, giving love, comfort, and companionship.

Michael is survived by his wife, Donna Susan Janovitch; his sons, Jason Neil Janovitch of Yakima; Jean-Paul (Kerry) Janovitch of Franklin, Wisconsin; grandchildren Gabriel Janovitch and Eldrid Lavendar also of Franklin Wisconsin; and his godson, Josiah Robilard, whom he loved dearly. He is predeceased by his parents.

He is also survived by his siblings and their families: Candace (Richard) Gardner of Beverly Hills, California; Marla Maciel of Orange County, California; Sandra Janovitch of North Carolina; Susan (Dan) Janovitch of Los Angeles, California; Dennis Janovitch of Los Angeles, California; and Steven (Linda) Janovitch of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Michael loved to laugh. His strength, humor, compassion, and love for others were among the qualities that made him so special. He lived a life of service—to his country, to children, to his family, and to the people around him. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 10:00am at Shaw & Sons Funeral Home (201 N. 2nd St, Yakima, WA) followed by a Graveside Service at 12:00pm at Tahoma Cemetery, Yakima, WA.