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Richard Ganong Obituary
WELLESLEY, Mass. - Richard J. (Dick) Ganong, 76, of Wellesley, Mass., Naples, Fla., and Kennebunk, passed away peacefully on Dec. 14, 2014, after a long and courageous battle with melanoma.
A Wellesley resident for 46 years, Dick was born in Malden, Mass., on Jan. 14, 1938. Raised in West Roxbury and Auburndale, Mass., he was the son of Donald and Margaret (Cooney) Ganong. Dick graduated from Newton High School in 1955.
A life long passionate golfer, Dick began caddying at Braeburn Country Club at the age of 12 and was later caddy master. He attended Boston College as a recipient of a Francis Ouimet Caddy Scholarship and graduated from the School of Management in 1959. Dick served as varsity captain for both his high school and college golf teams. He also participated in the ROTC program at Boston College and served as a reservist for seven years.
His strong involvement with the sport of golf led to Dick receiving his first full time job offer in the investment industry while on the golf course. He enjoyed a long and fulfilling career in the institutional equities business, primarily at Salomon Bros., as well as UBS Warburg and Schroders.
Dick's love for golf never waned, nor did his desire to give back to the game that had given him so much. He was a Francis Ouimet board member for 18 years and served as alumni chairman for 10. He was also a member of the Hickory Shafts. During his retirement, Dick was a contributing member of the Massachusetts Golf Association and was a Rules Official for state tournaments. Always finding both joy and challenge on the course, he was a long time member of Wellesley Country Club, as well as Naples Grande Golf Club, Webhannet Golf Club, and formerly Charles River Country Club.
Dick is survived by his loving wife, Gwendolyn (Miller); son Richard Jr. (Rick) and his wife Kristine of Brunswick, daughter Elizabeth (Betsy) Dawson and her husband Michael of Wellesley, Mass., daughter Karen of Waltham, Mass., and daughter Kristin of Boston, Mass., and New York City. He is the cherished grandfather of Ryan Ganong of Boston, Mass., and Kimberly Ganong of Brunswick, and Teddy, Caroline and Charlie Dawson of Wellesley, Mass. Dick also leaves a brother, Robert Ganong of Natick, Mass., a sister, Judith Parsons (Jack) of Ft. Myers, Fla.; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Donald, and sister, Carol Guthrie (Daniel).
A funeral will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St. (Rt. 16), Wellesley, Mass., on Friday, Dec. 19, at 9 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass in St. Paul Church, Wellesley, Mass., at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, Dec. 18, from 4-8 p.m. Interment will be in Newton Cemetery. For directions and online guestbook visit www.gfdoherty.com. Funeral arrangements by George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, Wellesley.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dick's memory to:
The Francis Ouimet Fund
Richard J. Ganong Scholarship
300 Arnold Palmer Blvd.
Norton, Massachusetts 02766
or Melanoma Research at Beth Israel
Deaconess Medical Center
Attn.: James Mier, M.D.
375 Longwood Ave. MASCO 401
Boston, Massachusetts 02215
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Ganong
Libby Kavanagh Berke
December 21, 2014
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Mr. Ganong. May you all find comfort in happy memories.
December 19, 2014
Dearest Gwen, I have missed you in Naples while you have been giving loving care to Dick. Please know that we are eager for you to return to the sun. Bobbie Rubin
December 19, 2014
Dear Rick, Kris, Ryan and Kim
Rick we are so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. We send our deepest condolences to you and the Ganong family.
Love, Joey and Bob
David Conary
December 18, 2014
Dick was one of the best. I was not a good golfer, but he and I played 18 many years ago with Bobby Orr and Eddie Johnson of The Big Bad Bruins. He was one of the best on Wall Street, back when the motto was "Dictum Meum Pactum"; My Word is my Bond. That was our rule of life. They don't get any better than Dick.
Laurie Student
December 18, 2014
Dear Betsy, Mike, Teddy, Caroline, Charlie and the extended Ganong family,
We were so saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved Dad, Grandfather, husband, uncle... We have fond memories of him pacing along the sidelines of the soccer fields or basketball court watching Caroline play. He so loved to watch his grandchildren shine! He was always smiling and upbeat; we enjoyed cheering with him on the sidelines. We know he'll be cheering for all of you from the best seat in the house from now on!
Sending our love and prayers for comfort during this difficult time.
With love,
The Student Family
Naomi and Bob Emmett
December 17, 2014
Gwen, Bob and I were so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. You have both been such troopers over the past several years, always wirth such a positive attittude, even during the most challenging times. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We hope the love of family and friends and many happy memories bring each one of you much comfort.
Robert Tripp
December 17, 2014
The Ganong Family, particularly Bob, Gwen, and Judith
So sorry to hear that Dick has passed on.
My first contact with him was in 1956 when my caddy career started and he was the caddy master. Final contact was 3 years ago when I had the opportunity to play another round of golf with him. During the intervening years I was in and out of the New England area, but on several occasions I did encounter him around Boston. He never failed to take a moment to talk. Despite the health issues he endured over the years he was always pleasant and upbeat. He will be sorely missed by so many people who were touched by his presence. God Bless You All!
December 17, 2014
Betsy, Mike, Teddy, Caroline & Charlie, We are so sad to hear of your Dad/GranDad passing. We have you all in our thoughts & prayers during these difficult times! Hoping wonderful memories of happy holidays with your incredible family will help ease your pain. Lots of Love, Jackie, Jim, Marci & Timmy Acquaviva
mb
December 17, 2014
May the fond memories and comfort from the Hearer of Prayer help you through this time of sorrow. Philippians 4:6,7
anna duffy
December 17, 2014
Dear Gwen and family, We were so sad to hear the news . Dick was just a fabulous guy. I know he is in heaven , looking over all of you. Our sincere sympathy. Anna and Paul Duffy
December 17, 2014
We are deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Ganong's passing. Our deepest condolences and prayers to the Ganong family. -Gina & Brian Sullivan
Julie Fjeldheim
December 17, 2014
To all the Ganongs, Dick was one of the first brokers I met in our business - he was a wonderful mentor and So very patient. My deep condolences to all of you.
Alyson Silvia
December 17, 2014
Always a true gentleman...thoughts and prayers to the Ganong family..
David Girolmo
December 17, 2014
Dear Rick and Kris, and the Ganong family,
We are so saddened to learn of your Dad's passing. We're sending our prayers and deepest sympathy from Chicago. With love,
David Girolmo and Heidi Kettenring
December 17, 2014
Rick-
My heart goes out to you and your family at this time. I can still hear Charlie Aucoin's voice, telling stories about "Dicky" from their days at Salomon Brothers.
Sincerely
Abbe Rice-
December 17, 2014
Gwen,
My heart and prayers are with you. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Love, Bobbie Backode
December 17, 2014
We'll always remember Dick from the happy days as Belmont Hill parents and all the good times we shared. Gwen and Rick, and all the family, we send our deepest sympathies to you all to let you know we will not forget him. Margot and Marshall Tutun
December 16, 2014
I caddied for Dick many years ago at Charles River CC. Always a pleasure to caddy for & be around. Great golfer who always respected us caddies. Great guy I will always remember.
My sincere condolences.
December 16, 2014
Gwen, I'm so very sorry to hear of Dicks passing.The times I spent with him in your Kennebunk home were a pleasure...My thoughts are with you Chris Matheson
dale and shirely huisinga
December 16, 2014
Gwen and family, Dale and I are so very sorry for your lose. Be sure that our prayers are with you at this time.
Marilyn Micciche
December 16, 2014
Gwen, the last time I saw Dick was in the parking lot of the Naples Cyclery in the Pavilion Shopping Center. He had walked his bike up tthere to put air in the tires. Looked fresh and smiling, as always and of course was asking me all about my family, Mitch and Danny. He was the consummate gentleman and family man. A real inspiration to us all. I feel blessed to have known him. Mitch and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Ganong family.
December 16, 2014
Deepest Sympathy
Henrietta Watson
Cristin Geraci (McNamara)
December 15, 2014
Mrs. Ganong, Karen and Ganong family - my thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. Mr. Ganong was an amazing man and I always enjoyed any time I was fortunate to run into him. Whether it was at BC, Belmont Hill games or Naples, FL - he always had a smile and such a happy personality. May he be at peace and may you know you have a very special man watching over you all.
December 15, 2014
Dick has been an idol of mine for many years. Now matter how badly he felt, he always had a smile on his face, and was more concerned about the person he was speaking to. Whether volunteering with the Ouimetr Fund, or officiating with the MGA, Dick was tireless! He will be missed by all those who knew him, but now we know the pain is over and he is in a better place. My condolences to his entire family!
Denny Goodrich
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
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Memorial Events
for Richard Ganong
Dec
18
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Wellesley477 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482
Dec
19
Funeral
9:00 a.m.
George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Wellesley477 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482
Dec
19
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
St. Paul Church
Wellesley, MA
Funeral services provided by:
George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Wellesley477 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482
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