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Former Central Hudson CEO Paul Ganci, 78, Of Wappingers Falls

WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y. -- Family and friends are mourning the loss of Paul J. Ganci Sr., a lifelong resident of Wappingers Falls and the former president and CEO of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

Paul J. Ganci Sr.

Paul J. Ganci Sr.

Photo Credit: Funeral Home

Ganci died Dec. 27 at the Kaplan Hospice House in Danvers, Massachusetts. He was 78.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, a successful industry executive, a loyal friend and a community volunteer who tirelessly gave of himself to improve the lives of his neighbors.

He was born May 1, 1938 in Brooklyn to Antonino P. and Mary Ganci and raised in Wappingers Falls. On Jan. 20, 1961, Paul married Patricia Biasotti of Wappingers Falls.

He graduated from Wappingers Central School in 1956 where he was president of his class and excelled in track, football and academics. He earned an Engineering Scholarship from Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corp. He graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1960 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, and earned a Master's degree in Industrial Administration from Union College in 1969. While at RPI, he formed many lifelong friendships as a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, and he maintained those friendships throughout his adult life and into retirement.

He briefly served in the U.S. Army in 1961 but otherwise spent his entire career at Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation, where he began his career as a summer intern in 1956 working as a lineman's helper. He subsequently held multiple positions in various functions until he was ultimately appointed president in 1989 and elected chairman and CEO in 1999. He retired in 2004 after nearly a half century of service, however, he often looked back most fondly on his early years as a lineman's helper and said that it was those early experiences that helped shape the philosophies and principles that guided his career.

Ganci was a well-respected advocate for business and economic growth throughout New York State and within the utility industry. He served as Director of the New York State Business Council and was President of the Energy Association of New York. He was also Director of the Edison Institute in Washington, D.C.

Deeply committed to the vibrancy and quality of life in the Hudson Valley, he devoted his time and talents to a long list of community service organizations including: Founding Member and Chair of the Enhancing Racial Harmony Task Force, Campaign Manager and Board Chair of the United Way of Dutchess County, Board Chair of Mount Saint Mary's College, Board Chair of Vassar Brother's Hospital, President of the Grinnell Library, Trustee of the Ecosystem Studies, The Greenway Conservancy and Health Quest, Inc. Founder and Board Chair of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, Chairman of the Board of the Mid-Hudson Patterns for Progress, President of the Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation, Chair and Founding Member of the External Marketing Council of Dutchess County, Charter Member and President of the Exchange Club of Southern Dutchess County.

An avid gardener, scholar, historian, runner and traveler, Paul was happiest when enjoying his family, especially his six grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched.

He is survived by his wife, Pat, his son, Paul Jr. of Andover, Massachusetts (wife Lisa and children, Laura, Brian and Paul III), his son, Anthony, of Andover, Massachusetts (wife Laurie and children, Emma, Maria and Anthony Robert), his brother, Vincent, and his wife, Jean Ganci, of Southbury, Connecticut, and multiple nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Calling hours will be Monday, Jan. 2 from 4-7 p.m. at Delehanty Funeral Home., 64 E. Main St. Wappingers Falls. Funeral Services will be at Our Lady of the Rosary 185 Hudson View Drive Poughkeepsie at 10AM on Tuesday, Jan. 3 with a burial at St Mary's Church in Wappingers Falls.

In lieu of Flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Franciscan Retreat Center at Mount Alvernia , Delavergne Avenue, P.O. Box 858 Wappingers Falls, N. Y. 12590-0858

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