Joseph Leonard Ganaway's Obituary
Joseph L. Ganaway, former director of SBAC (Sobriety Brings a Change) and longtime resident of Sacramento, CA, passed away July 8, 2013, at the age of 77. His dedicated work in the field of drug/alcohol counseling was an outstanding contribution to our community. His passion in helping to lead others toward addiction recovery helped to change so many lives. His service at SBAC, a non-profit drug alcohol counseling agency, began in 1971, as an intern, moving on to serve as Executive Director in 1985. He remained in that position until his retirement in 2001 due to declining health. Service was most certainly his calling, and he had a genuine love for the community. Joe also shared his counseling skills while teaching at the Breining Institute and California State University Sacramento.
Joseph's musical gifts were renowned in Sacramento. For many years, his baritone voice and commanding stage presence were featured in several of Sacramento's Best of Broadway productions as well as a number of community plays. His affinity for music included opera, hymns, gospel and jazz, not only in the form of singing, but in playing the organ and piano as well. Joe was a sought after soloist in many of the church choirs in the city. He sang with the Pioneer Congregational Church Choir and St. Andrews A.M.E. Church Chancel Choir.
Mr. Ganaway spent his formative years in Bayside, New York, the city of his birth. He served with the United States Army and the United States Air Force. After his tour with the Air Force ended, he settled in Sacramento. His work included serving with the Sacramento County Detox Center, and as a Recovery Home Manager, as a Medical Technician and mentor. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from the University Without Walls, Sacramento in 1983. His was also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor.
Joe, as he was fondly known, is survived by his brothers: Alan Storms (Marion) of Bridgeport, CT, Nicholas Storms (June) of Yonkers, NY and Jamie Storms of Bronx, NY. He was preceded in death by his mother Lenore Storms (aka Lee) and his brothers: William Storms, Gerry Storms, Donald Storms and Keith Storms. Joe also leaves to treasure his memory several cousins, nieces and nephews. His large extended family includes many and among them are godchildren; Barbara Stigall of Carmichael, CA, Robin Becker (Ron) of Seattle, WA, god-grandchildren Ellen Stigall Lamb (Stephen) of Scottsdale, AZ, Dion Stigall of Sacramento, CA, Joseph Parker (Elizabeth) of Seattle, WA, and Christopher Parker (Somer) of Seattle, WA.
Joe had a special relationship with the staff of SBAC who always loved and supported him. Joe will be fondly missed by his special friend Frances Johns of Sacramento, CA., and his Tuesday Morning Bible Study Group. He was lovingly adopted by the Canaday family of Citrus Heights, CA: Daren, Delric and Lorraine.
A memorial service for Joseph will be held Tuesday, July 16, 2013, at the Capital City Seventh Day Adventist Church, 6701 Lemonhill, Sacramento, CA 95824. In lieu of flowers, please give donations to SBAC (Sobriety Brings A Change), 4825 J St., Ste. 120, Sacramento, CA 95819.
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