Donald E. Ganim

Don Ganim, born September 23, 1943, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, June 10, 2023, surrounded by his daughters and grandchildren. Don’s beloved wife of 54 years, Mary Ann (George) Ganim, preceded Don in death. He leaves behind their three daughters, Christine Velizaroff, Terri (Keith) Anderson and Stephanie Ganim, as well as their seven grandchildren, Angelica and Diana Velizaroff, Jack and Olivia Anderson, Jacob, Zachary and Lucas Webb.

Don was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio to George and Emily (Joseph) Ganim. He was the youngest of two children and is preceded in death by his older brother Lee. Don leaves behind his sister-in-law, Roseanne Ganim as well as his brothers-in-law Leonard (Verna) George, Howard (Mary) George, Gary (Glenna) George, and sisters-in-law, Carol George and Lorry (Fred) Ganem, as well as countless nieces, nephews and cousins.

After graduating from Michigan State University with a Hospitality Management degree, Don proudly joined the United States Air Force where he began his career in the food industry. He built his legacy serving others, spanning 60 years in the restaurant business. He and Mary Ann first made their mark in Cleveland as owners of the Don Ganim Sandwich Shoppe in the Old Arcade in downtown Cleveland, then in Key Largo, Florida where they owned and operated Ganim’s Kountry Kitchen from 1989 - 1997, and finally in Juno Beach at the Juno Beach Cafe from 1997 - present.

As the Lord teaches us to be, Don was a quiet servant. Always ready to listen with a non-judgemental ear, Don became a confidant to many. He enjoyed getting to know people, having meaningful conversations and listening to others. Never faltering in his steadfast journey in his faith, he and Mary Ann were sure to influence their daughters, grandchildren and anyone else in their path with a strong love of God. He did this by action and example. Don didn’t just talk the talk, he walked the walk.

Don’s influence on his family was evident. His daughters adored him and his grandchildren cherished him. Spending time learning from their Grandpa was something they never took for granted - whether it was about God, finances, politics, business, golf, sports, or just life in general, they always had something fun to share together.

Visiting hours will be:

Friday, June 16 from 5 pm to 8:00 pm

Aycock-Riverside Funeral Home

112 Military Trail, Jupiter, FL 33458

Funeral Mass:

Saturday, June 17 at 11:00 am

Saint Patrick Catholic Church

13591 Prosperity Farms Road

Palm Beach, FL 33410

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the The Brian Muha Memorial Foundation, www.BrianMuhaFoundation.org or to St. Jude Hospital at www.stjude.org.

Don will always be remembered by his friends and family as a faith-filled, devoted, genuine, selfless, humble and gentle man.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.aycockfuneralhomejupiter.com for the Ganim family.