Obituary: Robert Harry Ganz

Robert Harry Ganz, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend to many, passed away from heart failure on Aug. 8, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at the age of 71.

Born in Mineola, N.Y., on Dec. 20, 1953, Bob grew up in Malverne, Long Island, the youngest son of Harold and Mimi Ganz. He attended high school at The Peddie School, graduating in 1971 and matriculating to Washington & Jefferson University. At W&J, Bob met the love of his life, Benita, when they were both 18 years of age. Fifty-three years later, their love for one another was still strong through the last days of his life. Bob and Benita married on June 1, 1975, just shortly after Bob graduated from Hofstra University with an accounting degree and celebrated their 50th anniversary a few months ago.

A devoted father, Bob was immensely proud of his two sons – Jason and Josh – and was their biggest supporter. And he truly flourished as a grandfather, spending as much time as he could with his five grandchildren (Caroline, Charlotte, Cate, Haley and Max).

Bob built two successful accounting practices in one lifetime, first in New York and then in Smyrna, after moving to East Cobb with his family in 1994. He quickly put down Southern roots upon arrival, both in the community – serving as president of Temple Kol Emeth and remaining passionate through his last days about his faith, Israel and Jewish causes – and in his East Cobb neighborhood, where Bob served as president of the homeowner’s association and had seemingly more friends than there were residents in his subdivision.

Bob loved entertaining friends and family in his beautiful backyard, presiding over the grill and lounging in his pool. He and cherished friend, Mark Moore, were known far and wide for their legendary fireworks displays on holidays. And Bob’s cultivated Southern roots extended to sports as well, as he was a long time Braves fan and season ticketholder and loved Georgia football, especially after his sons and daughters-in-law (Lindsay and Marcia) attended college in Athens.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his sister (Joan). He is survived by his wife, sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, brother, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Temple Kol Emeth. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999