Stephen P Garrow

Steve was born in Fresno CA to Charles and Marjorie (Caine) Garrow, where he spent his youth with his sister and brothers until his parents relocated the family to San Diego, CA in 1961.

After graduating from Grossmont High, Steve graduated with his Masters of Science in Social Work in 1972. He began his career as a Psychiatric Social Worker with in the Riverside County Mental Health Department. He then served as program director of the Family Service Association in San Diego County for the next 7 years. Afterward, he moved into private practice where he worked as a Medical Social Worker. Steve was passionate about helping people with special needs and was proud of his contributions in the startup of the Special Olympics in San Diego.

He relocated to San Luis Obispo to support his family and in October of 2000 he began his career at DSH-Atascadero as a LCSW. During his last 10 years he additionally served on several committees. His willingness to help others over his 20+ year career with the State was a blessing to those he worked with and the patients he worked for. His supportive approach to patients, his kindness, humor and collaborative nature was a strength valued by all. He is remembered for his calm demeanor and positive attitude often saying with a smile “I’ll take care of it”. He often shared his knowledge and resources with his co-workers.

Steve enjoyed playing and watching sports. He was always very active and maintained his fitness routine throughout his life. He was often seen stretching, jogging, or swimming at the gym or surfing at the beach.

Steve would tell people he was a private person, but those who knew him would say he loved to laugh, always had a warm, genuine greeting when you spoke to him. He was a considerate, thoughtful man who enjoyed listening to Mozart.

He always remembered to call family on their birthdays, holidays or to remember those who served in the military with a call of appreciation.

Although he never married, Steve filled his life by serving others, enjoyed singing in the choir at church, through his volunteer work and his profession. He said he “never felt a need to have children, he felt his patients were his children. He wanted to be a good role model for them”. He was generous with his time, caring, thoughtful and funny. His laughter, ability to really listen to others and his positive attitude will be missed by all.

He was pre-deceased by his father Charles Garrow, mother Marjorie Lutz, his Aunt Caroline and Uncle Chuck and nephew Joseph Vizzolini.

His passing has deeply touched his family, his work family at DSH-Atascadero and his many friends.

He leaves behind his sister Sharon, 2 brothers Bud and Randy, sister-in-law Liz, step-sister Sue Warriner, step-brother Brennie Lutz, cousins Brian Caine, Noel Ameral, Charlene Clark, and his nephews Matthew Vizzolini and wife Kristina, Mark Vizzolini and wife Mariana, nieces and nephews: Aaron Garrow, Angie Ameral, John Ameral, Kris Dornan, Kelsey and Zachary Warriner. And a special mention: his other family, the Social Work facility at DHS-Atascadero.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday May 21st, 2022 at noon in the neighborhood park at Colony Homes, on the corner of Via Viento and Camino Real, Atascadero, CA.