Bernard Ganz

Bernard Ganz, 88, of Island Park, New York, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, April 17, 2013. Born in New York City to immigrant parents from Austria, he lived most of his life on Long Island and ran a small cafeteria for factory workers with his brother, Nathan, for over fifty years in Brooklyn, NY. He was an extremely hard-working man who worked since age 10, and who taught himself how to cook and purchase food supplies and equipment. He created an environment at Ganz Cafeteria where all immigrant workers from this industrial area felt welcome.

He was deeply loved by his family for his kindness, generosity of spirit, dedication to the well-being of his family, friends and relatives. IN 1977, he married Dolores Gonzales, who throughout 36 years of marriage he remained deeply in love with. Her enduring love, kindness and dedication to his physical well-being demonstrated on a daily basis. As the years went by, he became more and more interested in all aspects of the lives of his children and grandchildren.

Bernard was extremely loving and proud of his two daughters, Wanda and Linda, their children, Julieanne, Alissa, Jillian and Anneliese, his stepdaughter, Diane, her children, Gregory, Kimberly and Keith, and his stepson, Billy and his children, Shannon and Brian. He is also survived by his nephew, Bill Ganz, his niece, Carole Ganz, and his four great-grandchildren. He was also loved and deeply cared for by his three sons-in-law, Ed Dworkin, Michael Herskowitz and Gregory Detwiller.

His warmth and concern for others, whether they be family, friends or acquaintances, was shown by these actions as well as many others.

His spirit of generosity and kindness was revealed in many ways throughout his life. Over a period of many years, he visited his sick cousin, Herman Brown on a weekly basis. He also called, visited and advised his friend Norman Shapiro for over 50 years in addition to his constant concern and reaching out to neighbors and family. In addition, every week for 15 years, Bernard would ask store managers in supermarkets for fruits, vegetables and bread, and deliver them himself for the poor via St. Mary of the Isle Church in Long Beach. These acts of charity were longstanding and included his hiring and mentoring of methadone patients and parolees to work in his food business when no one else would hire them. They too became part of his family.

Bernard proudly served in the Navy Seabees in the World War II Pacific theatre, in the 133th Batallion, discharged March 15, 1946 at Lido Beach, NY. He received many military awards, including the American Theatre Medal, Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal (IStar) and the Philippine Liberation Medal.

Bernard was remarkably active and fit throughout his life. In his spare time he enjoyed playing tennis, walking bike riding, swimming and being with his extended family. He watched his beloved NY giants and remained active well into his 80’s until he was slowed by health issues.

The family will meet friends and family on Friday, April 19, 2013 from 12:15 PM until 1:00 PM at the Boulevard Park West Memorial Chapel, 1450 Broadway, Hewlett, NY. There will be a graveside ceremony at Mount Ararat Cemetery in Farmingdale, NY at 2:00 PM. Memorial

Donations may be made in Bernard Ganz’s name to: St. Mary of the Isle, 315 East Walnut Street, Long Beach, NY 11561.

For information contact BOULEVARD-RIVERSIDE CHAPELS 1450 Broadway, Hewlett, New York 11557 (Between Erick Avenue and Avalon Avenue)

Telephone: 516-295-3100

www.BOULDVARDRIVERSIDECHAPEL.com