Floyd R. Ganassi (1926-2013)
On Monday, August 19, 2013, Floyd R. Ganassi slipped away from his loved ones quietly and peacefully reuniting with his beloved wife Marie Moia Ganassi whom he married in 1957. He leaves behind an incredible story of a life well lived and a legacy of family, friendships, mentoring, business leadership and philanthropy in the communities he touched.
He was born the fourth of six children to Paul Ganassi and Dora Moire in Blythedale, Pennsylvania on July 25, 1926. He was preceded in death by his brothers Mario, Eugene, Ronald and his sister Norma (Oldham). He is survived by his brother Victor (Louise). He led his life with a combination of risk, persistence and loyalty to those who were fortunate enough to work with him.
Father of Annette D. Ganassi (Greg Terpin) and Floyd R. Ganassi, Jr., a.k.a. Chip Ganassi; grandfather of Tessa Ganassi; he is also survived by nieces, nephews, many loving family members and friends.
Floyd was a self-employed investor who began his career as a paper boy. After attending McKeesport High School in 1944 he joined the U.S. Army where he eventually achieved the rank of Corporal in the 3rd Armored Division where he was responsible for driving a tank. Upon honorable discharge from the U.S. Army he was employed in Sacramento, California by United Airlines as a baggage handler. Returning to McKeesport in 1947 he was employed as an appliance salesman. His entrepreneurial spirit would not allow that job to continue and in 1950 he started Westmoreland Paving which he would eventually sell in the mid-1970s. In 1966 he purchased Davison Sand and Gravel where for approximately 20 years he was the President. Davison Sand and Gravel was a critical company in the Renaissance II rebirth of Pittsburgh supplying quantities of sand, gravel and stone from New Kensington for projects as large as the construction of the US Steel Building. After selling Davison he formed the FRG Group located in the RIDC Park North where he would continue to work for the remainder of his life. His ability to find value where others may have given up led him to business ventures ranging from telecommunications to manufacturing.
His investments and business acumen had a profound influence on companies including Applied Test Systems, Funding Systems, Pittsburgh International Teleport, Iron and Glass Bank and Presidents Casino.
His philanthropy included serving on boards for MIMS, Passavant Hospital, the Birmingham Foundation (Chairman), the Ganassi Foundation, Family House, Duquesne University, Board of Visitors of the Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation and the Civic Light Opera. In terms of his charitable work perhaps he was best known for involvement in the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Automobile Association where he proudly served as its Chairman for several years.
He was an active member of the Allegheny Club, the Pittsburgh Field Club and the Duquesne Club.
Friends will be received at JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS, INC., 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street www.freyvogelfuneralhome.comon Tuesday, Aug. 20 and Wednesday, Aug. 21 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral Service to be held Thursday, August 22 in Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church at 10 a.m.
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