Joseph A. Sawaya

Many things can be said about Joseph A. Sawaya. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive man, his compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing his charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. He was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things he sought to accomplish. Joseph was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around him. He generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

Joseph was born on April 18, 1946 in Shweir, Lebanon. His parents were Adib and Najibeh Sawaya. Joseph was raised in Lebanon and France. When he was young, Joseph's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe him. Even as a child, Joseph demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around him.

Joseph grew up with six siblings. He had three older sisters, Rosalie, Margo, Emily, one older brother, Emile, a younger brother, Touma, and a younger sister, Laila. Joseph was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with his family. He was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served him well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Joseph carried these traits into his adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found him pleasurable and delightful to be around. Joseph was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those he knew.

As a young boy, Joseph was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether his peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Joseph could easily relate to other kids. He was an active child who took part in soccer and was a Scout. In his spare time he liked writing children plays and directing them. However, to Joseph, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his many friends.

During his high school years, Joseph had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. He was constantly offering his support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which he participated. He graduated from American High School in 1962. He did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to him. In this way, Joseph had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Joseph was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Joseph as an excellent listener. He placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for him just around the corner.

Joseph did well in college, as a result of his being intuitive and finely organized. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Santa Clara University in 1969. He also pursued graduate school, earning his Masters in Psychology and PHD in Clinical Psychology. His favorite courses were Abnormal Psychology and Drama. Some of Joseph's other interest were being President of the International Club and directing Greek Folk Dancing Club. The skill of being a good communicator helped Joseph immensely during his college days. He was comfortable with abstract information and theories and tended to thrive on the subjects that forced him to think. No matter what class it was, Joseph was always very perceptive and embraced the mental challenges that his college experience provided.

Always considered a “good” friend, Joseph sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Joseph always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Joseph’s friends found him easy to know and get along with because of his talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in his dealings with others. Joseph would always seek to learn what his friends enjoyed, and he would go out of his way to make sure that their needs were met. Joseph was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, he sometimes felt ill at ease when he was the one on the receiving end. Throughout his life he had many friends. Later in life, he became friends with Jim Wright, Todd Pearson, Dennis Raefield, Sherry Sakamoto, Diane Jones and Rita Quiring.

On August 19, 1972 Joseph married Victoria Reimer at the Santa Clara University Chapel of San Jose, California. Compassionate and devoted, Joseph worked hard to make his new family happy. He was always generous with his time and this meant that Victoria came first in Joseph’s book. He was always caring and made certain that he considered Victoria’s feelings. By trusting his emotions, Joseph did his best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Joseph was truly a person of empathy.

Joseph’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good father to his children. Joseph shared these values with his four children, three sons, James, Tony and Matthew, and one daughter, Christina. Joseph was also blessed with two grandchildren, Leona and Maximillian. Joseph related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved him and he was completely and totally devoted to them.

Joseph experienced success in his work life over and over again. His primary occupation was his primary occupation was as a Psychologist. He was employed for 26 years at the Department of Rehabilitation for the state of California and 20 years of being a therapist at his private practice. Joseph always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by his colleagues as a team player. Joseph took pride in managing his professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Joseph was one to take the initiative and his skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Joseph continually sought to learn what his co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled him to help them develop their own potential.

Because he was organized and methodical, Joseph took great pleasure in his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were hiking, wine tasting, and gardening. Joseph enjoyed sharing his passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

Throughout his life, Joseph was actively involved in professional and community organizations. With a talent for focusing in on exactly what was required to be completed, Joseph was known to his peers as being able to strengthen any group endeavor. When called on, Joseph was a natural leader who created harmony and good relationships within the group, often putting his own needs aside. Joseph’s involvement could easily help structure and organize any part of an organization. An added benefit was Joseph’s ability to bring valued principles along with him. Throughout his later years, Joseph was an active member of the SCCPA (Santa Clara County Pyschological Association), the National Rehabilitation Association, the California State Psychological Association (president for 5 years), and the Santa Clara University Alumni Association.

Joseph was well known to others for his ability to naturally and conscientiously move into action to help others, a quality that placed him as an active contributor to many community activities. Charismatic by nature, he was always viewed by others as someone who built bridges, connected to people, and upheld his personal values. Serving on committees for the National Rehabilitation Association.

Joseph’s faith was important to him. He was a member of St. Francis Cabrini Church for 37 years. He was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in his work with the congregation.

Though he never did anything solely for individual recognition, Joseph was given accolades for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. If the truth were known, Joseph was always a little uncomfortable with being singled out for recognition. Some of his most prestigious awards included being a two time recipient of the Outstanding Employee at the State Department of Rehabilitation Award.

Joseph enjoyed traveling, and because he was so well organized, he would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. His gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Joseph were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included Yosemite National Park, Sea Ranch: Gualala by the Sea, a European Cruise, an Alaskan Cruise, and visiting his family in Lebanon.

Joseph was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Joseph's favorite was Pepper, a cat that lived with him for a long time. They were best friends for 13 years. His family was rounded out by his other dogs and cats.

When Joseph’s retirement finally came in 1997, he was well prepared. Being the focused and organized person that he was, Joseph had taken care to plan for this part of his life. When that time eventually arrived, Joseph knew exactly what he wanted to do. His new life involved concentrating on family and friends. In retirement, he found new pleasure in travelling, gardening, and getting together with friends and family. Even in retirement, Joseph continued to stay in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

Joseph passed away on February 25, 2015 at home in San Jose, California. Joe fought a very brave battle against Peritoneal Mesothilioma (stomach cancer). He is survived by his children James, Tony, and Christina; his grandchildren Leona and Maximillian; his sisters Rosalie, Margo, Emily, and Laila; and brothers Emile and Touma. Services were held at St. Francis Cabrini Church in San Jose, California. Joseph was laid to rest in Oak Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park in San Jose, California.

Throughout his life, Joseph was a gregarious and enthusiastic man. He was generous in sharing his personal attributes, giving and helping those he knew and loved. He would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. He was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Joseph leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember Joseph A. Sawaya.