Frank Janton

Frank Oscar Janton, age 85, of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, passed away on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at his home.  He was the husband of the late Marie Ethel Mutter Janton, who died in 2016 and with whom he shared 60 years of marriage.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was a son of the late Frank Oscar Janton and the late Dorothy McGuigan Janton, and was predeceased by his brother Carl Janton.

Frank graduated from St. Thomas More High School in Philadelphia and first of now three Janton generations to attend St. Joseph’s University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. In his early career, he was a Pharmaceutical Representative for Wyeth and Baxter Laboratories and was instrumental in organizing the “Victory over Polio” program in the Delaware County area. For the past several decades, he has operated F. J. Janton Company, a direct mail service specializing in consulting and implementing non-profit permit mailings.

Frank was a lifetime member of the Union League in Philadelphia, served on the Presidential Advisory Committee for Salesianum Boys High School where he received an honorary degree for his leadership and support, and was also a member of the American Catholic Historical Society and the St. Thomas More Alumni Association. Most recently, he was serving his third term on Neumann University’s Board of Trustees, where he was the recipient of the University’s 2015 Presidential Humanitarian Award and in 2017, received the honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities.

In his early years, Frank enjoyed playing trumpet.  He kept his love for music throughout life as a major supporter of the Delaware County Symphony. There, he founded the Symphony’s Musicians Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002 which he thereafter presented annually.

Frank is survived by four children, Dr. Francis J. Janton (Susan) of Harrisburg, PA, Marie J. DiPrinzio (Eugene) of Rehoboth Beach, DE, Stephen R. Janton (Robert Jackson) of Asheville, NC, and Thomas M. Janton (Clare) of Kennett Square PA; seven grandchildren, Christine, Laura (Josh), Marco, Stephen, Matthew, Thomas, and Sandra; two great-granddaughters, Maxie and Ellie; two sisters, Dorothy Conway (Thomas) of Chadds Ford, PA and Mary Gilliford (Paul) of Malvern, PA, and many nephews and nieces.

You are invited to visit with Frank’s family and friends from 10:00-11:00 AM Friday, February 24, 2023, at St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church, 8910 Gap Newport Pike, Avondale PA, 19311. His Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery, Kennett Square.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Neumann University, One Neumann Drive Aston, PA 19014. Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Kennett Square.  ( 484-734-8100 ). To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com