Em J. Ghianni

A decorated U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he was a graduate of Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. He retired as chief executive officer of Comfortzone, a pool heater manufacturing company.

As a member of Brenthaven Cumberland Presbyterian Church, he served as elder, Sunday School teacher, past president of Men’s Fellowship and on the Building Expansion committee. He has also served as director and committee chair Nashville Kiwanis Club, on the Nashville Rescue Mission Board, Operation Stand Down board, Nashville University Club board, past commander and program director American Legion Post 5, lifetime member Post 5 VFW and MOAA, lifetime member 42nd Rainbow Infantry, a 30-year season ticket holder to Vanderbilt University football and Vanderbilt Commodore Club, charter member of the Sports Council, senior executive Nashville Chamber, and served on the Forrest Hills planning commission.

Preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Dorothy “Dot” Champ Ghianni; his parents Sabatino and Alfina Ghianni, Buffalo, NY; sisters, Frances (Al) Conte, and Rita Ghianni of Buffalo, NY; and brother, John Ghianni of Buffalo, NY.

Survived by sons, Eric (Ann) Ghianni and Tim (Suzanne) Ghianni both of Nashville; grandchildren, Maria (Michael) Ghianni-Wilkinson of Belfast, Northern Ireland, Emily (Jacob) Martinez of Loma Linda, CA, Ana (Joshua) Greer of Lascassas, TN, and Joseph Ghianni of Nashville; brother, Sam (Ginnie) Ghianni of Mountain View, AR; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019 from nine o’clock in the morning until eleven o’clock at Brenthaven Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 516 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN. A Service will immediately follow with Reverend Kip Rush and Reverend Don Tabor officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park. The grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brenthaven Cumberland Presbyterian Church Building Fund, or to the Nashville Humane Society.