Obituary of Paul Ganeles

Paul M. Ganeles, a great seeker of truth, passed away February 8, 2017 at the age of 88.

Born in Bronx, NY on February 29, 1928 to Emmanuel and Sara Ganeles, Paul was raised in Peekskill, NY, enlisting in the US Coast Guard at 17. He graduated from Utica College, and became a CPA. He married Ann Berger in 1950, and raised their family in New Rochelle NY. After Ann’s passing in 2005, Paul met and married Joan Merdinger, whose love and vitality infused the final ten years of his life. In addition to his wife Joan, Paul is survived by sisters Elaine Schechter and Lois Kaplan; 3 children, Jeffrey (Joan) Ganeles, Caren (Matthew) Summers, and Iris Rubinstein; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He also leaves stepdaughters Susan (Steven) Greene, Karen (Mark) Labe, stepson Michael (Eliana) Merdinger and their families; many friends, cousins; 12 nieces and nephews and their families. Paul was an unapologetic Progressive Democrat, committed to equal rights for all, greatly influenced by his active involvement in the Paul Robeson riots of 1949, leading to his support of civil and human rights organizations. He was a longtime member of Temple Beth-El in New Rochelle and devoted supporter of Israel. A lifelong learner, Paul was devoted to Tikkun Olam, seeking to make the whole world better. He was rewarded by finding love twice in his life, enjoying a loving family to the end. Funeral service is Friday, February 10, 2017 @12 noon, Beth El Synagogue, New Rochelle, with burial at 2:00pm, at Sharon Gardens Cemetery, after which Shiva will be observed. Memorial donations may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center at splcenter.org.