With great sadness, we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather Michael Thomas Ganci on March 21, 2020 due to complications from Covid-19. Born on June 8th, 1945 in Brooklyn and raised in Glendale, NY, he was the son of the late Anthony and Nancy Ganci. A devoted family man, he is survived by his wife of 48 years Marianna Ganci of Newington; his children Joanna and her husband Dan of Beverly, MA; Michael and his wife Jeannette of Newington; Nina and her partner Neil of Jamaica Plain, MA; and Laura Ganci of Providence, RI. He lives on in the memories of his beloved grandchildren Emerson and Elliot Rose Lund of Beverly, MA and Fiona and Max Ganci of Newington. He also leaves his brother Joseph Ganci and wife Joan of Palm Coast, Florida, and many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Rosalie Christensen. Michael received a B.A. in Anthropology from Long Island University and a M.Ed from C.C.S.U. Throughout his life, he had over 10,000 students as a public school teacher and as a 4th degree black belt Sensei in Kyokushin karate at New Hartford Karate Club. He was a creative and hard-working person who instilled in his children a generous spirit, a pride in their Sicilian roots, and a deep love for family. He lived to make those around him laugh, to find treasures at estate sales or flea markets, and to tinker in his workshop or on his computer. To the end, he was on a quest for an authentic egg cream just like the ones he drank growing up. We have been deeply comforted by the memories and love friends and family have shared in the last few days. We will announce a celebration of his life service sometime in the future. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to Saint Francis Hospital via saintfrancisdonor.com, whose nurses and doctors provided him with such great care and comfort. Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington is serving his family. To share a message, please visit us at www.duksa.net.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Mar. 23, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Ganci

Sponsored by the family.

33 Entries

Sue Pelchat

May 30, 2020

Mike came to Torrington in the mid 80s to develop a computer program for the district. I had the good fortune to be a member of the first cadre of computer consultants to work with him. Everyone was new to computers in those days, and Mike led the team with his calm demeanor and supportive words. We used to joke That he was the master of the temple, and I was the grasshopper working to learn all I could in order to be ready to leave the temple. Those were great days of expanding our knowledge, growing together, and leading the district in the use of computers.
Mike emailed me about a year ago just to touch base. We talked about getting together for a visit. His last lesson will remain with me - not to put off doing things that matter.
I was sorry to read of Mikes passing in the Washington Post this week. My condolences to all.
Sincerely,
Sue Pelchat, Torrington

Peaches Miller

May 11, 2020

Mr Ganci was my Karate teacher. He made a impression that has stayed with me my whole life. My thoughts and prayers are with the Ganci family at this time. My condolences.

Robin Russotto

March 30, 2020

To Marianna and Family,
Mr. Ganci was my 5th grade teacher at Ann Antolini in the late 70's. He was kind and gained the respect of his students without having to say anything at all. One of my fondest memories was the day we could have our parent visit the classroom. My mother and I were working on a project together and our drawings were awful. We started uncontrollably giggling. Mr. Ganci made the rounds, took one look at our work, gave a side smile and without a word kept on walking. Mr. Ganci was always a tolerant man, and even more so that day. He was a wonderful teacher and will be dearly missed by us all. May you all find solace in his beautiful legacy.

March 29, 2020

Was grieved to hear about the passing of Mr. Ganci, who I remember from Antolini School back in the days when Mr. Lovley was principal, and Barker, Greco, Mazen, Neshko, and Sonstroem were the teachers. Even though I wasn't in his class, remember him from recess and the school assemblies as in control, quietly assertive, earning the kids' respect, while allowing them to speak their mind. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Ganci's family at this time.

Lydia Gibb

March 28, 2020

I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Mr. Ganci was my fourth grade teacher at Ann Antolini School in New Hartford. One of the reasons I became interested in science was that he made it fun. He was a wonderful teacher.

March 28, 2020

To Marianna, Joanna, Michael, Nina ,Laura and all of Michael's family and friends.

I was so surprised to read of Michael's passing when I saw it on the front page of the Hartford Courant! While I did not know Michael I was so touched by the story. I called my dad Vincent Louis Ganci now age 90 and also shared with my mom, Jean age 88 who live in Southbury,Ct.

Here is what I learned, Michael's father Anthony Tony Ganci's dad Joseph Ganci was cousins with Vincent Ganci, my dad's grand father. Joseph Ganci sponsored my grandfather Antonino Peter Tony Ganci when he arrived in ny from Italy. For a time they they lived in the same apartment house where John , Joseph Ganci's brother lived and ran a store ...best my dad can recall... he was about 4 and also remembers John!s 2 daughters.

My Dad also recalls connecting with Michaels Dad -Anthony and meeting Michael and his brother Joseph and having wonderful conversations several years ago but unfortunately lost contact over the years... but never forgotten.

I share this story to tell you, you are not alone and hope you also continue to share the wonderful and touching stories of Michael with his family and friends for years to come!

I'm sharing what I learned with my wife Carol, children Kristen and Alison, my brother Michael Peter, my sisters Antoinette Joy Ganci Turner ( all live in CT) Mary Beth Ganci Johnson and Cathie Rose Ganci Michaud (Albany NY area) and 2 first cousins Paul Joseph Ganci Junior and Anthony Ganci (Andover Mass) and all our offspring. Joanna, I believe you may have met cousin Anthony's wife Laurie who is also in education.

You are not alone ! Your entire family is praying for you during this special time! If you want to reach me or need anything at all please feel free to reach me at [email protected] or 860-670-5252.

Stay safe and well and Marianna I wish you a fast recovery.

God's blessing to you all as you celebrate Michael's life at this especially challenging time.

Steven Christopher Ganci
Glastonbury CT

Tracy Ramsdell

March 27, 2020

He was my math teacher in 1970 and I have always remembered him for his kindness and patients. My heart is with you all.

Sean hayes

March 26, 2020

Im so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed listening to mr. Ganci cheer on max every game. Collin hayes and i (Sean hayes) send our prayers

March 26, 2020

My heart goes out to my aunt and to my cousins. Uncle Mike was one of greatest men I have ever known. I will always cherish the day he and Poppy taught me how to shoot pool.

Judy Ruhm

March 26, 2020

The years have been many since we sat in class together at Central Connecticut. Children's Literature was the class. Years later when I got involved with New Hartford PTO and a booklet of Teacher Profiles, Mike did some artwork for it. He has left behind memories for all of us. Memories of times when his character and caring have enriched our lives. May your memories bring you comfort and peace and may God grace you with His strength and love.

Rita Treviso

March 26, 2020

To Marianna and Family
Words cannot express the sadness that my family and I feel for the loss of Mike. He has touched so many lives and it is evident in all the messages expressed to your family. He is a true gem and I am blessed that I had the opportunity to be included in your family as you are part of mine. Our deepest sympathy to you all.

P Worthy

March 26, 2020

I did not know Mr Ganci, but reading his family's comment about remembering those we lose to this virus as people and not just numbers struck a cord with me. Please accept my condolences and well wishes for the family.
P. Worthy

Michael Christman

March 25, 2020

His teachings and spirit influenced many, many lives...mine among them. He was a gentle but formidable warrior. Osu!

Lori Sekulski

March 24, 2020

As one of his Karate students at The New Hartford Karate Club, I can say he had a calming mystical presence and was highly respected. With a soft spoken sweet side... forever etched in my memory are all the good times at all the practices with my fellow students. My sincere condolences to his family.

Barbara & Newell Atwood

March 24, 2020

To the Ganci family. So sorry for your loss. He was my son' s teacher at Antolini School. My son won one of his watercolor ink drawings that was so beautiful. Our sympathy to your family.

Susan

March 24, 2020

So sorry to hear about your loss. Praying for love and strength and peace during this time.

Johanna Shea

March 24, 2020

Our town of Newington mourns with you all. Love and Peace to all of his family.

Maryanne Ganci

March 23, 2020

So very sorry to hear of Michael s passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you all find comfort at this time.

Charles Blow

March 23, 2020

I remember him as my 5th grade teacher at the Ann Antolini school. He was my hero at that time in my life! Because of him I looked forward to school every day. He was very good at drawing caricatures. He'd have us give him a word and would draw an amusing caricature that represented the word. I remember laughing so hard at what he came up with. He was very imaginative! My deepest condolences to his family.

Nancyann

March 23, 2020

What can you say that hasn't already been said?
He was an amazing son, sibling, husband, father, grandfather, extended family and friends. He touched everyone along his journey. He just had that way about him that kept an ever lasting impact to those who met him and knew him. Every story and memory will make you laugh and or cry. Hold on to all of your memories and stories close in your heart forever as he will continue to walk beside you....
Deepest condolences

Patty Obie

March 23, 2020

I was 1 of Mr. Ganci's 10,000 students. I remember him as one of my favorite teachers. My favorite memory is of him taking our class to the media center for video lessons on how to draw in 3-D. He was a wonderful teacher, very patient and kind. I am so very sorry for your family's loss.

NADINE

March 23, 2020

Joanna, I am so very sorry to hear of your father's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. -

Pam &

March 23, 2020

To Mariana and family. So sorry for your loss and the loss of a true friend we were lucky to know for thirty five years. May all the wonderful memories give you some peace and make you laugh. He was a great husband and father. Love you all❤ Pam and Frank

John Burdick

March 23, 2020

I fondly remember him as my 4th grade teacher at Ann Antolini. It was the first year the school was open (we were the first class through all 3 years). Among my immediate recall of his engaging teaching was his word for the day to stump the teacher challenge! Students came up with a words every week on Monday morning and he had to guess the meaning. He got most of them. Such an exemplar and impactful teacher. A role model for a formative fourth grader. My deepest condolences.

Patrice Escandon

March 23, 2020

Dear Nina and Laura,

I am deeply sorry for your loss. Please know I am thinking of you both, and saying a prayer.

Love, your twin friend,
Patrice

Sharon Dunn

Sent Flowers

March 23, 2020

Mike's Karate prowess went far beyond his days with the Kyokushin Kai. He was Soke (founder) of the MuShin Karate Do, after breaking from the Kyokushin in 1976. He was Kancho (Director) of the Mushin Do up to his passing. He kept in touch with many of his student through the years answering questions about technique,philosophy,and life.
The members of the New Hartford Karate Club and Mushin practitioners everywhere extend our greatest sympathies to Kancho's family and friends.
It has been my privilege and honor to be both his student and friend for the past 40+ years.
Peter Ruot, Renshi, Mushin Karate Do

Tricia Mulcahy

March 23, 2020

Dear Marianna and family,My heart is very heavy to hear of Mikes passing. I am so sorry that you have to bear the pain of his loss, but please know how he will continue on through each of you,; not only through your memories, but through the gifts he has passed to each of you; your personality traits, looks or even His smile perhaps or maybe the love of teaching and so on. You all own a piece of him which will be part of you always. Marianna, you married your best friend and both you and Mike raised 4 beautiful children, instilling so many important life lessons- most important about love for each other and love of family. May God walk beside each of you to help you through these difficult days ahead. Please know our love and prayers are being sent to you all. God bless. In sympathy and love, Tricia Mulcahy and family

Paul Konovodoff

March 23, 2020

Marianna,
So sorry for your loss. Know that you and your family are in our prayers.

Rob Faber

March 23, 2020

Marianna and Family, my most heartfelt condolences. Mike was an influential teacher and mentor to me (and many others), but then also a great friend, a fountain of knowledge and sharer of great stories and experiences. He will be sorely missed. I hope the family finds comfort in knowing how much Mike enriched the lives of so many. Mike, calm seas and the wind in your face eternally. Osu.

Kathleen Gauthier

March 23, 2020

Marianna, very sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lorraine Heidecker (nee Kronzak)

March 22, 2020

Mike and I were childhood friends. I am so sorry he is gone. His mother (my "Aunt Nancy") and my mother ("Zia Irene") were the best of friends and I have many happy memories of visits, good meals and vacation days spent at Lake Hopatcong with Mike, Joey and Rosalie. Sending comforting thoughts to his family and friends.

Newington Memorial Funeral Home Duksa Family Funeral Homes

March 23, 2020

With deepest sympathy during your time of mourning.

Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results