Constantin J. Stanitz, 93, a Romanian immigrant who worked for years as a janitor and saved enough money to buy several apartment buildings in the North and South Austin neighborhoods and the near western suburbs, died in Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood on Sunday, June 18, of heart problems. Mr. Stanitz arrived in Chicago with his family in 1920. He attended Delano Grammar School for one year and took a janitorial job at age 13, earning the nickname “Jimmy the Janitor.” He married Victoria Nitzu in 1931. Mr. Stanitz saved his money for many years, invested in stocks along the way and began buying apartment buildings while in his 40s, said his son Nicholas Stanitz. He served as landlord, manager and custodian of those buildings, all but one of which he later sold. Mr. Stanitz’s many interests outside of real estate included his work with St. Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Church of Chicago, where he had been a member since 1926. He served as president of the Church Council and organized the St. Mary’s Seniors’ Club in 1983. Mr. Stanitz also helped organize the Chicago Romanian Radio Hour and volunteered in the Salvation Army. He also spent 40 years in the Austin Lions Club, serving in many capacities, including president. Mr. Stanitz also had extensive political connections and had been a member of the Regular Republican Organization since 1932. He spent his last 10 years living in his building in Elmwood Park. In addition to his wife and son, Mr. Stanitz is survived by two other sons, John and Jim; and five grandchildren. Services are set for 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Church, 4225 N. Central Ave., Chicago.
