Joseph (Joe) Ganick (formally Guzniczak) passed peacefully on Thursday, July 20, 2023, comforted by his family. Joe battled and survived pancreatic cancer for nearly 20 years, a testament to his courage and strength. Joe was fortunate to be under the care of Dr. Donald Atkinson, and their relationship of care continued over the following years through numerous hand-written letters exchanged through the mail.

Joe was born a world traveler to Joseph and "Dee" Guzniczak in Wurzburg, Germany because of his father’s service in the U.S. Army. He and his brother, Tom, forged a true bond through their childhood, which was spent exploring several U.S. Army bases both stateside and abroad.

Joe was truly a man of service, joining the Air Force at 18-years-old and serving as an airman for four years. He carried his passion for service into his career, serving the community as a USPS letter carrier for thirty years. Going above and beyond his job duties, he would often visit elderly customers and assist them with household chores.

Joe was ever curious and well-informed. He was eager to converse with those he encountered, by sharing his love of food and recipes and his green thumb tips from his garden—always taking a genuine interest in others’ lives and perspectives.

This led to a life of cherished relationships fostered through childhood, the Air Force, the Post Office, customers, neighbors, and many others. Few have perfected the art of “the pop-in” like Joe—unexpected visits always accompanied by kielbasa, rye bread, baked goods, or whatever he was cooking in the kitchen. Many may not recognize Joe without his earbuds as an avid listener to talk radio. Nothing made Joe giggle more than the sitcoms from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.

He will be greatly missed by his wife Sandi (Symsek) Ganick of 45 years; daughters, Stephanie Ganick and Katherine (Theodore) Christy; grandson Charles Christy; along with his brother Tom (Mary) Guzniczak, brother-in-law Edward (Janell) Symsek, and Sister-in-law Ellen (Jim) Reis; Uncle Andy & Aunt Shirley Guzniczak and Aunt Marcella McNulty; and many more including cousins, nieces, nephew, and dear friends.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the SZAFRANSKI-EBERLEIN FUNERAL HOME, INC., where family and friends will be received on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, from 3-7PM at 101 Third Street, Carnegie. A Blessing Service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 11:00AM. Burial with full military honors will take place in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies on Friday, August 4, 2023 at 2:00PM.

**EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE NATIONAL CEMETERY ON THE DAY OF BURIAL AT 1:45PM**

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joe's name to:

The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research
415 Crossways Park Drive
Suite D
Woodbury, NY 11797
https://lustgarten.org/?form=give

www.szafranski-eberleinfuneralhome.com (412)276-1107