Philip Ganzfried

Philip Thomas Ganzfried

On Thursday, September 5, 2019, Philip Thomas Ganzfried, loving husband of Jennifer Marie Ganzfried, and father of Joshua Thomas (almost 5) and Isabella Grace (almost 3), suddenly and unexpectedly went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at age 32.

Philip was born on June 18, 1987 in Fresno, CA to Maria and Tom Ganzfried. In 1989 they moved to Santa Maria, CA where Philip’s three sisters, Emily, Melissa and Hannah were born. In Santa Maria, Philip lived close to Maria’s family and developed an especially close relationship with his Grandma Lee and Grandpa Ralph Coppola, whom he loved dearly until their deaths. In 1995, when Philip was seven, the family moved to Tualatin, OR. Then in 1998, when Philip was eleven, the family moved to Lacey, WA. After graduating from Timberline High School in Lacey, WA, Philip moved to Tyler, TX to intern at Teen Mania’s Honor Academy. Three years later he moved to Lynchburg, VA to conclude his studies, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Liberty University.

While in Lynchburg, Philip met the love of his life, Jennifer Keaton, who had also graduated from Liberty University. Their friendship turned into courtship and they were married August 6, 2011, a mere ten months after meeting. Hundreds of guests had the privilege of viewing their first kiss, which was at the altar, honoring their commitment to the Lord to stay pure for each other. Philip and Jennifer moved to Apopka, FL in 2012 to be close to Jen’s family. This is where their beautiful children were born. Joshua was born October 7, 2014 and Isabella was born October 15, 2016.

Philip and Jennifer put their faith in Jesus Christ first. Being in a church community was a fundamental value for them. And serving that community was a family priority. They were married at Thomas Road Pate Chapel in Lynchburg, VA. In Apopka, FL they were members of Westside Community Church and in January of this year the Lord led them to attend Grace Church Orlando.

Philip’s inclination toward information technology (IT) began early in life, achieving master certifications in high school. At Teen Mania he was placed in the IT Department. Shortly after moving to Lynchburg, VA he was hired into the IT Department at Liberty University. After moving to Apopka, FL Philip was hired by eSchool Solutions, where he worked for three years. The last five years he worked at Frontline Technology Solutions. After several promotions he ended there as their Director of Fleet Operations. Philip’s work ethic was incredible, and his drive was immense. His goal was always to be a good provider, but his priorities were unwavering; God, family, and then work.

Philip loved his family with all his heart. He is survived by his wonderful wife Jennifer and his children Joshua and Isabella; parents Tom and Maria Ganzfried; sisters Emily (Ganzfried) Schulz (Phil), Melissa Ganzfried and Hannah Ganzfried; parents-in-law Rick and Eleanor Keaton; sister-in-law Kristi Hendricks (Tim) and brother-in-law Matt Keaton (Erin); and aunts, uncles and cousins. Philip was preceded in death by grandparents Martin and Ethel Ganzfried and Aurelia (Lee) and Ralph Coppola, as well as Aurelia’s second husband Salvatore Conti, whom Philip also loved.

A celebration of Philip’s life will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at Grace Church Orlando (1765 W State Road 434, Longwood, FL 32750). Public viewing will begin at 11:00 am. The service will be at 12:00 noon with a reception immediately following. The service will be available by live stream at www.GraceOrlando.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a GoFundMe account which was set up to assist Jennifer with the children’s education. GoFundMe Account for Ganzfried Family

In his last month, Philip finished a book which the Lord had laid on his heart for 15 years. Philip wrote it to challenge men in their maturity and, knowing his audience was men, kept it short enough to be read in about an hour! To honor his legacy, the family asks you to purchase copies to give away. Man or Male? – This is Not a Drill! by Philip Ganzfried. It can be purchased on Amazon in late Fall 2019.