William Murray Janney

William Murray Janney, age 81, of Toledo, OH, passed away Friday, April 22, 2022 at the Toledo Hospital with loving family by his side. He was born on November 19, 1940 in Bowling Green, OH to Dr. James R. and Mary E. (Murray) Janney. Bill graduated from Bowling Green High School in 1958 and from St. Meinrad College in St. Meinrad, Indiana in 1964. Following theology studies at Mt. Saint Mary's Seminary in Norwood, OH, he was ordained a Roman Catholic priest for the Diocese of Toledo in 1968. Bill served at parishes in Bellevue, OH and the Toledo area as an associate pastor. He was also a chaplain at Mercy, St. Luke's, Medical College Hospitals and the Toledo Mental Health Center.

Bill married Gayle R. Simon on January 29, 1982 in Bowling Green, OH. They renewed their wedding vows on August 29, 1992 at St. Joseph Church, Sylvania, OH. He continued hospital ministry as a hospital case manager for the Zepf Community Mental Health Center from 1989 until his retirement in 2008. Bill earned his Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling at Bowling Green State University in 1992. He and Gayle served the mentally ill and alcoholics and were active in the 12 step recovery work from 1983 to the present. Bill always tried to be open to God's surprises. He also loved swimming and traveling. Bill's smile, spirit and caring nature will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Left to cherish Bill's memory are his sisters, Mary Macolly and Susan (Douglas) Ballard; many nieces, nephews and many dear friends, especially in the 12 step recovery program. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife in 2013; and many other loving family members.

The family will receive guests on Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home – Northwest Chapel, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo (419-473-0300). A Memorial Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Monday, May 2, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at GESU Catholic Church, 2049 Parkside Blvd., Toledo, OH 43607. Inurnment will be private at Historic Woodlawn Cemetery.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider GESU Church, Zepf Center or AA Central Office.

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