Michael “Mickey” Ganitch has been well-regarded in the field of military service for his longstanding tenure in the United States Navy and subsequent speaking engagements on the historic Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. Deceased in May 2022 at the age of 102, Mr. Ganitch is survived by his spouse, Barbara, and his four daughters: Janet Bisbee, Karen Meek, Joyce Lognion-Strain and Bonnie Church. He also has 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
Born in 1919, Mr. Ganitch enlisted in the United States Navy in August 1940 following his graduation from high school. Serving in the Navy for more than two decades until 1963, he attained the rank of senior chief quartermaster, overseeing navigation to keep Navy missions safely on course. While serving in the United States Navy, Mr. Ganitch was involved in the historic Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. Surviving the attack, he notably became a preeminent expert and became the subject of proclamations from several government levels, including city, county, state legislature and the United States Congress, as well as by an American president and international proclamations from Australia, France, England and Russia. During this time, he was afforded opportunities to meet several government leaders and other notable individuals.
Likewise, while aboard the USS Pennsylvania, Mr. Ganitch participated in the atom bomb testing at Bikini Atoll in 1946, solidifying his expertise in naval affairs. Since departing from the military in 1963, he remained dedicated to raising awareness of veterans’ issues, maintaining an affiliation with such organizations as the American Legion, the Fleet Reserve Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9601. In addition, he served as state treasurer of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, was a member of the Orinda Masonic Lodge No. 122, and worked five days per week at his local office of Chapter 7 of Disabled American Veterans.
Mr. Ganitch particularly enjoyed speaking to students, fraternal organizations and others on the significance of remembrance and United States history. To this end, he made it among his life missions to educate others about the Pearl Harbor attack and, importantly, keep the memories of lost soldiers and sailors alive. Mr. Ganitch will be remembered as a passionate individual who was committed to not just his country but also to his family.
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