A preeminent medical malpractice attorney, community activist and philanthropist, Howard Alan Janet passed away on Thursday, Sept. 18.
The Pikesville resident, who was managing principal of Janet, Janet & Suggs LLC,, was 70.
A Baltimore native, Janet was a graduate of Woodlawn High School, the University of Maryland and the University of Baltimore School of Law.
For nearly 50 years, he practiced law in the area, advocating for the rights of victims of medical malpractice, sexual abuse and other personal injuries, particularly for representing children with cerebral palsy from preventable birth injuries.
In 2010, Janet helped found the Cerebral Palsy Family Network, which provides medical, legal and support resources for families of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
Among Janet’s honors were the Maryland Association for Justice “2015 Trial Lawyer of the Year” award and recognition from The Best Lawyers in America.
Janet was also highly active in the local organized Jewish community. He served as chairman of the now-defunct Shoshana S. Cardin School and as a board member of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore.
“His dedication extended beyond his clients; he was exceedingly generous and philanthropic, giving freely of his time and resources,” his family wrote on the website of Sol Levinson & Bros. “He served as chairman of the Israel Bonds Men’s Division, president of Woodholme Country Club, and was actively involved in several Jewish charities. He was also a proud member of Beth El Congregation, where faith and tradition were central in his life.”
In 1978, Janet wedded the former Rina Lee Smelkinson. They were married until her passing in January of 2018.
“They built a beautiful life and family, raising their sons, Andrew and Adam, with immense pride,” his family wrote. “Howard was deeply devoted to both Rina and Adam during their illnesses, standing by them with unwavering love and strength. He offered that same steadfast love and strength to the rest of his family as well.”
In his spare time, Janet enjoyed golfing, spending time with family and friends, classic movies, and cheering on the Orioles and Ravens.
“After Rina’s passing, Howard found comfort and companionship with Ronnie, who was a special source of support and joy to him for six years,” his family wrote. “Howard lived life with vibrancy. He loved family Shabbat dinners every Friday night, taking his family on many memorable vacations, and his role as a dedicated and loving ‘Zaydoo’ to his four beloved grandchildren.
“He cherished the many special relationships he built over the years and was blessed with countless lifelong friends who remained an important part of his life. His booming voice, quick wit, and ever-present sense of humor filled every room he entered, leaving an impression that was larger than life.’
Janet is survived by his son, Andrew Samuel (Anna Klein) Janet; his daughter-in-law, Corinne Allison Janet; his grandchildren, Ricki Leora Janet, Aaron Douglas Janet, Avi Marc Janet and Asher Isaac Janet; his significant other, Ronnie Ann Glaser; and his brothers-in-law, Ira (Lisa) Smelkinson and Jeffrey (Deborah) Smelkinson.
He was predeceased by his wife, Rina Lee Janet (nee Smelkinson); his son, Adam Phillip Janet; and his parents, Ann and Irwin Janet.
Services will be held on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 12:30 p.m. at Sol Levinson’s Chapel, 8900 Reisterstown Road in Pikesville. Interment will be at Beth El Memorial Park, 9633 Liberty Road in Randallstown.
Contributions in his memory may be sent to Beth El Congregation, 8101 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21208, or The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, 5700 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21215.
The family will be in mourning at 2512 Stone Mill Road in Pikesville on Sunday following interment with a service at 7 p.m., continuing Monday with a service at 8 a.m. and receiving guests until 1 p.m..
Following Rosh Hashanah, they will continue hosting on Thursday with services at 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. and receiving guests from noon until 3 p.m. on Friday with a service at 8 a.m. and receiving guests until 1 p.m.
“Fierce in his advocacy, whether for his clients or his family,” his family wrote, “Howard will be remembered as a man of generosity, devotion, and unshakable love.”
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