Dr. Ganepola A. P. Ganepola

Born in Galle, Sri Lanka, he earned medical degrees from Kyoto University, completed a neurosurgery fellowship in Germany, and surgical residency at Columbia University’s Presbyterian and Harlem Hospital. A distinguished general and vascular surgeon, he served as Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. During an over four-decade association with The Valley Hospital, he served over 20 years as a Trustee of Valley Health System and established its research program.

Dr. Ganepola was recognized for groundbreaking research into early cancer detection, particularly blood-based biomarkers for lung and pancreatic cancers. His belief that clinical care should inform scientific discovery fueled work that ultimately led to two cancer-detection patents.

Beyond medicine, he was known for his remarkable intellect, generosity, quick wit, and irrepressible sense of humor. A voracious reader fluent in five languages, he loved Lincoln Center performances, golf in Scotland, and subjects from philosophy to space exploration.

Above all, he was devoted to family. His beloved wife, Manel, was his steadfast partner in life and adventure, traveling with him from Antarctica to Ladakh. However demanding his career, family came first. He shared with his daughter a love of books, golf, and adventure, and delighted in sharing his passions with his adored granddaughters. To his family, he was the first call for every decision, large or small—the wisest advisor and most patient sounding board. However full his life became, he was always present.

He is survived by his wife, Manel Ganepola; daughter, Sayuri Ganepola-Kaczynski, and son-in-law, Jeff Kaczynski; granddaughters, Arya Kaczynski and Claire Kaczynski; four siblings; and their families.

A celebration of his life will be held July 23, 4–6 p.m., at Becker Funeral Home, Westwood, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Valley Hospital Foundation.