David Janicello, Sr.

Burlington - David Janicello Sr., 92, a native of Brooklyn, New York but long-time resident of Burlington, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Monday, October 16, 2023.

A proud veteran, David served as a Corporal in the US Army working as a Radar Repairman in Germany from 1955 until 1957.  He began his post-military career as an electronic engineer at Avian Electronics in New York.  He was part of the team that designed the reconnaissance system to bring the Apollo Spacecraft back to Earth.  He later moved to Photocircuits Electronics of New York where he worked with numerous teams of engineers.  In 1969, together with his wife Rose and children, the family moved to Burlington, where he and Rose owned and operated Colfax Furniture on Main Street until their retirement in 1994.  In addition to his different professional careers, David attended Breadloaf Bible College and became a Minister. David devoted his life to being a servant of God in numerous ways. Through selfless acts, he faithfully served in his church community as deacon and Sunday school teacher and impacted his community, most notably his over 34 years spent volunteering and ministering at Burlington Homes. Known as "Papa" to family, he will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He gave unparalleled love, warmth, and humor to everyone around him. His steadfast love and devotion for family, friends, and strangers alike is immeasurably precious and will be irreplaceable.

David was the son of Reverend Joseph and Jenny DeVito Janicello and was preceded in death by his sister, Martha DiBartolo and brother Ezekiel Janicello. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Rose Tubiolo Janicello, as well as his three sons, David Janicello Jr. (Sally) of Burlington, Mark Janicello of London, Pastor Steven Janicello (Christie) of Burlington and eight grandchildren; Zachary Janicello of Nashville, Ethan Janicello (Stephanie) of Knightdale, Ally Janicello of Burlington, Olivia Janicello of Burlington, Lara Janicello of Los Angeles, Raven Janicello of Berlin, Germany, Ezekiel (Zeke) Janicello of Denver and Sarah Janicello of Morehead City, as well as five great-grandchildren; Alexis, Yalaiya, Ruby, Tristan and Elijah.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, October 20, 2023 at Historic Providence Christian Church conducted by his son, Pastor Steven Janicello. The burial will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery with military honors. The family will receive friends from 12:45pm – 1:45pm prior to the service on Friday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to AuthoraCare Hospice, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.