MICHAEL ANTHONY JANERO

Michael Anthony Janero age 81passed away suddenly in Florida after a brief battle with cancer.  He was a retired Deputy Chief of the Cleveland Police Department and retired Chief of Security/Administrator for the Cleveland Public Library.  He was also a Special Deputy of the Cuyahoga County Sheriff. 

Michael was the loving husband of Janet (Clark) for 46 years; Father of John, Kim and Christopher Janero (Lisa), David (Patty) and Jonathan Chercourt (Mina).  Mr. Janero was the cherished grandfather of 7 and great grandfather of 2; Dear Brother of Sandra Koelliker the late Carma Clatworthy and Marsha Beranek.

Mr. Janero was born May 25, 1937 to John and Julia (Capson) Janero in Cleveland, Ohio.  He graduated from Cleveland’s John Adams High School; served in the U. S Army in Germany and in1958 joined the Cleveland Police Department.  Michael was dedicated to public service and had an outstanding career rising from patrol officer through the ranks to Deputy Chief. 

The Police Department sent him for administrative training to the Southern Police Institute of the University of Louisville as well as advanced training at the F.B.I. National Academy.  He was also selected to participate in a three-month exchange program with the New York City Police Department.

As a police officer Michael served in both east side and west side police districts and was assigned to the innovative Police Tactical Unit for four years.  He became a detective and as a sergeant and lieutenant, he was a detective supervisor. 

Upon promotion to Captain, he was placed in charge of the Department’s Ports and Harbors Unit.  During his time there, he was responsible for the design of the Unit’s “Jack Delaney” police patrol boat.  Janero once told a reporter that Ports and Harbors was his most interesting assignment.

In 1986, Mr. Janero was appointed Commander and placed in charge of the Department’s Second District.  During his time at the Second District, he devoted himself to developing a close association between the Police and the community and became well known for his effort.  He was especially proud of the response his men received from the citizens of the district.

In 1988, the Department called upon him to command Administrative Operations over seeing the Department’s Jail, Building Security, and Records Units. 

In 1990, Mayor Michael R. White appointed Mr. Janero to Deputy Chief responsible for Field Operations.  After this final assignment and more than thirty years as a dedicated police officer, Chief Janero retired.

 Following his retirement Chief Janero went on to serve as an administrator and Chief of Security for the Cleveland Public Library.  At the Library, Chief Janero introduced many security innovations including security cameras in all Library buildings and security call buttons for staff members.  He assigned two-way radios to security officers and instituted a roving patrol visiting branch libraries.  His office assumed responsibility for routine inspection of fire prevention equipment throughout the Library system.

 Chief Janero enjoyed woodworking and was recognized for his skill.  For a time he operated his own sawmill providing material for his hobby.  He was an avid gun enthusiast and a skilled shooter.  During his retirement, he especially enjoyed visiting and having lunch with his many friends.  He spent recent winters in Florida with his wife Jan where he also had many friends and family.

 Chief Janero was a long time member of the Fraternal Order of Police and past Treasurer.  He was a member of both the state and local chapters of the Ohio Police and Fire Retirees and Widows, as well as a life time member of the Cleveland Police Historical Society.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Cleveland Police Historical Society, 1300 Ontario Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44113. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday May 11, 2019 at 1:00 PM with the family receiving friends from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the A. RIPEPI AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OHIO 44130.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.