Obituary

Thomas J. Janusevic

December 4, 1935 – February 16, 2025

Thomas J. Janusevic, 89, of Rockford, IL, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at UW/Swedish American Hospital after a brief illness. Born on December 4, 1935, in Rockford, IL, to Helen and Jacob Janusevic, he graduated from Rockford East High School in 1954. On August 10, 1957, he married the love of his life, Judith Anderson, in Merrill, WI, and together they built a life filled with family, friendship, and passion for aviation.

Tom dedicated 44 years of his career as a machinist and millwright at Sundstrand (now Collins Aerospace). A proud member of the UAW and the Sundstrand Employee Association, he also had a deep passion for marksmanship, actively participating in the RIAA trap, rifle, and pistol leagues.

An aviation enthusiast, Tom was a private pilot who restored and flew several vintage airplanes. He learned to fly at Cottonwood Airport (1C8) in Rockford, IL, and later flew from Hononegah Airport before returning to Cottonwood in 1980 as a founding member of the Cottonwood Corporation. He and his partners—Gil, Herman, and Bob—built their beloved “Green” hangar that same year.

Tom was a dedicated member of EAA Chapter 22, serving as an officer and board member. He was honored with the chapter’s Frank Murray Award and was a Life Member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). In 1991, he received the prestigious EAA Chairman’s Award for his contributions representing the “essence” of the EAA, recognizing his many years of service to EAA’s AirVenture, an international gathering of aviation enthusiasts first held in Rockford, IL, before moving to Oshkosh, WI, in 1970. As a volunteer pilot for the EAA’s Young Eagles program, Tom found great joy in introducing young people to the magic of flight.

Tom is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Judith Janusevic; son Bruce (Kathy) Janusevic; daughter Mary (Jay) Sine; grandchildren Zachary Haugdahl, Jeffrey (Madeline) Janusevic of Rockford, IL, and Emily (Kolton) Kuczynski of Winnebago, IL; sisters-in-law Faye Marsceau of Merrill, WI, and Juliann Brachle of Lakewood, MN; as well as a circle of extended family and cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert Williamson, and his grandson Jacob Janusevic.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of UW/Swedish American and East Bank Center for their kindness and care.

A private family service will be held, with a celebration of life planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family and will be designated to the Rock River Valley Aviation Foundation and The Ray Aviation Scholarship at EAA Chapter 22, Cottonwood Airport. This scholarship supports high school students in achieving their pilot’s license, a cause close to Tom’s heart.