Theodore 'Ted' Joseph Janak

Theodore Joseph Janak passed away on Friday, July 5, 2019. He was 62 years old and was taken from us too soon.

Ted was born January 29, 1957 in Houston, TX. He was the third of four children born to the late Victor and Evelyn Janak. Ted was a proud Eagle Scout. He was instructed by the Basilian Fathers at St. Thomas High School in Houston and graduated in 1975. He then went to work as a homebuilder with his brothers and his dad while attending night school at the University of Houston. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology in 1983.

He bought his first car in 1973, a 1969 Dodge Daytona, and used his degree to follow his passion for winged Mopar muscle cars. He started his own business fabricating reproduction parts for Dodge Daytonas and Plymouth Superbirds, a field in which one could say he earned a Doctorate’s! Ted’s name was known well to the Mopar world and was synonymous with over 40 years of excellence, quality, and attention to detail. His business and parts have been featured in countless car shows and automotive magazine articles over the past decades. His parts have been in productions such as Graveyard Cars, Gone in 60 Seconds, and Fast and the Furious, among others. His latest accomplishment was his contribution to Bobby Allison’s Coca-Cola Tribute Daytona, of which he was very proud.

While his Mopar legacy will carry on, he valued his family above all else. Ted was a true patriarch. His unconditional love for his son, daughter, their mother, and their families was tangible and felt by all of them across the country and across the globe. He also carried a deep love for his siblings, nieces, nephews, and their children. Never an opportunity was missed by Ted to gather his family together, eat good food, dance to good music, and strengthen and deepen his roots.

Ted had a passion for life and for the outdoors, always accompanied by his infectious smile. He had a special relationship with his son built in large part on their experiences together fishing, hunting, mountain climbing, going on cruises and traveling the world. His heart was of giant proportions; always inviting friends, neighbors, and family to participate in his vibrant life. He wanted nothing else than to share his life and his experiences with as many people as he could.

Ted is survived by his children, Christina and Grant; three grandchildren, Dominic, Garek, and Levi; his two brothers, Victor and Tim; his sister, Mary; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In honor of Ted’s wishes, the family is not holding a funeral service but will host a BBQ and party to celebrate his life at his cherished SPJST Lodge 88 in the Heights. Ted’s family welcomes the attendance of all those who knew and loved Ted. No formal attire allowed! Hawaiian shirts or similar attire preferred! Instead of flowers, baby trees for planting in Ted’s favorite places will be warmly received. Bring your classic muscle cars for a private showing in Ted’s honor.

Where: SPJST Lodge 88, 1435 Beall St, Houston, TX 77008

Date: Wednesday night, July 17 ^th , 2019

Time: 6pm – 9pm

Contact: Brian Bassi at bassibd@gmail.com 713-882-3575 or Megan Hoffpauir at mmariehoffpauir@aol.com 832-493-4334