George Gary Janek

George Janek, 58, died unexpectedly, but peacefully, in his sleep on August 27, 2021 in his Napa home.

George was born George Gary Dziubanek to parents Garry Dziubanek and Helene Szollosi on September 7, 1962. He was a first generation American, and he liked to say that the fact that he was born in Washington, D.C. made him a true American. Naturally outgoing and gregarious, George discovered his passion for acting early in life, and received his Screen Actors Guild card when he was 9 years old. He earned a degree in Broadcast Communications from Cal Poly Pomona and embarked on a career in the entertainment industry. Later, George used his experience to partner with his late friend Michael Haytas to found Rapid Casting, a talent placement agency for extras casting.

George’s boisterous sense of humor and easy rapport with people made him a well-known and sought after bartender in Pasadena, CA. No matter where he went, he would constantly run into someone he considered a friend. His presence filled up a room, and you always wanted to be wherever he was, because you knew it guaranteed a fun time – and the occasional magic trick.

He met Jan, the love of his life, and they discovered a mutual love of baseball, music and movies.  Their 1991 wedding featured Dodger blue (for Jan) and a secret message “Go Reds” on the bottom of George’s shoes.  They spent their honeymoon together on the road, travelling to 9 baseball stadiums across the Midwest and East Coast.

George’s excellent reputation eventually led them to the Napa Valley, where he was the opening Bar Manager for Stomp in Calistoga. Unfortunately, the restaurant didn’t flourish in Northern California, but the Janeks did. George worked all over the Napa Valley, most notably at the Grill at Meadowood, Mustards Grill and Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen, while earning his first-level Sommelier certification and competing in local craft cocktail contests. He loved visiting new bars and chatting with the bartender, exchanging trade secrets.

He was quick witted, intellectually curious and a voracious reader. In the past few years, George honed his writing skills and became a frequent contributor to the online newspaper, The Stream, and other publications. He will be deeply missed by his colleagues.

George’s knowledge of film, music and TV was unparalleled, and his memory for a face was incredible. He could remember an actor from a bit part in a show he saw 20 years ago, especially if the role was from a favorite, such as Star Trek or Twilight Zone.  His Monday night poker games were legendary, and became a long-standing tradition, first in Southern California and then in Napa. He and his close circle of friends gathered in the garage “man cave” to share drinks, stories and play poker.

George and Jan welcomed their son Christopher in 2016.  George was very proud of his role as Christopher’s father and he constantly strove to be the best parent that he could be. Their shared love of silly jokes, Bugs Bunny, and Peanuts gave them both many hours of happiness. The two of them never met a roller coaster that they couldn’t conquer.  

George leaves behind his wife of thirty years, Janice Waken Janek, and son, Christopher. Although he was an only child, he was lovingly welcomed into the Waken clan and will be remembered by his numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, and cousins. George’s rowdy laugh, his willingness to debate any issue, and warm friendship will be missed by his many friends and family. 

A memorial will be held on October 15th at 11am at the Elks Lodge in Napa.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the American Heart Association or the National Rifle Association. 

Memorial Information:

A "Celebration of George '' will be held at 11am on October 15th at the Napa Elk's Lodge, 2840 Soscol Ave, Napa, CA. 

Please RSVP via text to Jan at 707.812.2172 if you plan to attend.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George Gary Janek, please visit our floral store.