Augustus George “Gus” Ganakas went home to the Lord on January 11, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his children, Gail, Gary, Greg, Anne, Amy and Marcy, who will miss his daily guidance. The love of his life was his family. They brought him joy, happiness and comfort.
Gus was born and raised in Mount Morris, New York to Greek immigrants, Edward and Eugenia Ganakas. He graduated from Mount Morris High School in 1944, where his love of academics and sports provided him opportunities to develop his coaching skills. Immediately after graduation he proudly enlisted and served in the United States Marine Corp, the Battle of Okinawa, part of the Pacific Theater of World War II, and the Reclamation Program of China-occupation of Teinston, China, on the border of Manchuria.
In 1946 he took advantage of the G.I. Bill by attending Michigan State College to earn his Bachelor and Master’s degree. Gus married his lifetime sweetheart, Ruth D’Imperio. Their unconditional love for each other endured for 67 years until Ruth’s death in 2014.
Gus’s professional career spanned over 65 years beginning as a teacher at Olivet High School, then continued an illustrious 14 year career at East Lansing High School teaching algebra, coaching football, basketball, baseball and golf. While at East Lansing High School, Gus is most noted for winning the 1958 Class B Boys Basketball Championship.
Gus spent the next 40 years at Michigan State University serving as Director of the Ralph Young Scholarship Fund, Assistant Basketball Coach, Head Basketball Coach, Assistant Athletic Director, and finally as the radio voice of Spartan basketball.
His grandchildren, Erin (Zach) Webb, Jennifer Rose (Ryan) Calverley, Katie Rose Dalebout, great granddaughter, Genevieve “Evie” Rose Webb and his many nieces, nephews, and friends will miss his sense of humor, love, words of wisdom, gentle nature and hearty laugh. The family is blessed that he was with us for so long. He will be missed forever and always.
His devoted wife, Ruth, parents, Edward and Eugenia, brothers, Jim and Mike and sisters, Helen and Katherine preceded him in death. The family is extremely grateful to Sparrow Home Hospice for the gentle care and support given.
Those desiring may make contributions to St. Thomas Aquinas Church or St. Vincent DePaul at St. Thomas Aquinas, 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823 or Marine Corp League, 477 Michigan Ave., #1232, Detroit, MI 48226
Visitation and Services will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 3:00-8:00 p.m. A Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, East Chapel, East Lansing. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.greastlansing.com
