Dr. Joseph Thomas Sawaya
April 18, 1946 - Feb. 25, 2015
Resident of San Jose
Joseph came to California in 1962 to attend Santa Clara University, where he made lifelong friends. He worked as a counselor for the State of California for 25 years. After earning his doctorate in Clinical Psychology he ran his private practice for over 10 years. Throughout his career he helped countless people in need, both mentally and spiritually. He is survived by his son James and his grandchildren Leona and Maximilian; his son Tony; and his daughter Christina Thomas Battey. He will be deeply missed by friends and family worldwide, but none more than his sister Laila Sawaya and her family. Viewing will be Thurs. 3/5 at 5pm, Vigil at 6pm, Rosary at 7pm at Chapel of the Roses, Oak Hill Memorial Park. A Mass will be held on Fri., 3/6 at 10am in St. Frances Cabrini Church, 15333 Woodard Rd, SJ. Burial will follow.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Mar. 3, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Sawaya

Sponsored by Nasrin Farr & Family.

23 Entries

Nasrin

January 13, 2024

Dear Dr Sawaya
There are times that I miss you so much! I miss your wisdom. I miss that safe space you always provided to clear my head connect with my heart and trust the universe to move on. You are an amazing soul. Teaching yet how one´s being transcends beyond life on this earth. May you rest in peace. You deserve to be held with grace

suzanne carlos

February 8, 2023

Thinking of you always and especially on the anniversary of your passing. Remembering your kind soul.

Suzanne

jeff labadie

February 6, 2023

Hello,
Dr. Sawaya assisted my fiancee and I back in 2007. We both loved his kind spirit and helpful guidance. In fact, I sought him out some years later but understood he was out on a medical leave at that time. Now again years later, I'm so saddened to have found out of his passing. Please know we adored him, and that he left the world a better place than he found it. Most sincere condolences - Jeff Labadie

Nasrin

November 17, 2022

Dear Dr Sawaya
I will always be grateful to you for your help. Your words and wisdom are alive and continue to be an engine to guide me. You are missed immensely! God bless. Peace !
Nasrin

Nasrin F

May 3, 2022

You are missed deeply! Thanks for all the life lessons that you taught me. For ever grateful!

Mimi Ottoboni

February 22, 2019

Anniversary blessings on your lovely soul, Ami. I have not gone a single day since your departure without fondly thinking of you. ❤ Mimi

January 4, 2018

You are missed!! ♥

Spirit

Andrew Blash

June 7, 2017

Not Sure the first one went through: I will miss you! You loved the song of the birds in the early morning and the stars. You liked to talk of the spirit of god and life.

You spoke of truth of wisdom and love, but as well of the realities of life.

Your compassion, spirit saved my life and my spirit - you called me friend, and you were just that as a counselor and as human being.

I loved you as a brother. I wish I could have said goodbye, and heard you talk of the stars again and the thing of life that matter

Peace be with you brother, my spirit always be with this world.

Andrew Blash

June 7, 2017

Well My Friend, I had hopped to see you one last time. Had not spoken of the world, the self and meaning of love? How life is magic and yet such evil is there as well?

I remember the house in Sea Ranch, times to think of the world, the plight before me. I was but a popper. I man on his last legs, but you
gave me life, and wisdom and compassion. I can still see your eyes twinkling, your love of the birds, the early mornings you said were the best, the stars!

I recall you saying in time of conflict: "How will that help you? Or I feel it in my bones.""

Without you Thomas I was lost. I miss the times on the phone, talking of... what is your relationship to your own mind? That was a discussion

-- O, I loved you as a brother, a spirit of kindness Thomas

mangiamo you would say to me as we ate! I wish had the time to say goodbye, but you were sick, everything stopped then, that day you came to office in your black trench coat and gave me the news.

You were a gift of the spirit of God to so many, and I in what life is left could never thank you enough brother - never enough - for the years, the laughter and the tears.....My Friend You would say, and Yes my Friend be at peace and my your spirit find its way to the heart of the world.

Andrew Blash

Jan W

July 29, 2016

I am sadden to find my savior has passed away. He was so even-keeled, so spiritual, and he helped me in ways that defined who I am today. Our meetings always started with a cup of hot tea and we just sat and chatted like old friends. I saw him for 5 years...and we kept in touch after I moved out of state. He literally saved my work life...I learned I did not have to take on more responsibilities and eventually switched to a less stressful job. After I moved, I took a very stressful job, called him in a panic one day out of the blue, and we talked on the phone. I ended up quitting that job and eventually found a low stress job that for me, is a good fit. That is because he healed my mind and my heart. I gave my burdens to the Lord and not a day goes by that one of his teachings goes unheeded. Between visualization and deep breathing, and a manta "Believe In yourself" I wake up a confident employee

March 10, 2016

I called the old phone number today hoping to make an appointment and talk with the Great Doctor. The phone disconnected I rushed to the internet. I am so sadden to read about his passing away. He has to be up in heaven He saw my life, my son's life. He was an angel in our deep grief - May he be in rest and May God bless his loved ones. Love you Dr, for ever and always, N. F. & Famiy

Sharon Stone

February 23, 2016

Rest in Peace 'My Friend'.

December 30, 2015

To the man who saved my life, in more ways than one. I will always remember you and miss you forever.

Janet De Leon

March 10, 2015

Joe was a very kind man. He always had a nice word for everyone. I have known Joe for about 30 years. We live right across the street from him. He was so giving. When we moved in to take care of my mom, Joe gave my son Tommy, Tony's bike because he didn't have one. Tommy & Tony were best of friends. Tony would come swimming all the time. Joe would always bring us vegetables from his garden. Before he passed away I went to visit him, he was giving me praise for me being a wonderful person, wife, mother & grandmother. Here he was in pain, and saying kind things about me. that's the kind of person Joe was. I would always tell Joe that we are praying for him, and he would always point up and say, God is Good. We will miss our Wonderful neighbor, Joe Sawaya

March 5, 2015

We've known Joe for as long as we've lived in our home...always a smile and a greeting as he would takes his walks around the neighboorhood. He spoke more with my husband and always let him know that he admired what we were doing with our home. He will me greatly missed. Our deepest condolences on your loss.

Ed and Jeannette Keplinger

March 5, 2015

To a mentor, guide, and friend. You will be remembered...

Love,

Robert Marrs

Tiffany Burnett

March 4, 2015

I only had the pleasure of knowing Joe for a short while. In fact i was scared to death of him. The first time i was alone with him he had asked me over for coffee and "a chat." He sat across from me with one hand on his chin and in a very low voice (reminded me of the godfather) he said, "If i except you then THE FAMILY will except you." He not only excepted me but he excepted my 3 children as well. It was an honor to be given that chance by such a great man. You will be missed Daddy Joe.

God saw you getting tired,
When a cure was not to be.
So He wrapped his arms around you,
and whispered, "come to me."
You didn't deserve what you went through,
So He gave you rest.
God's garden must be beautiful,
He only takes the best
And when I saw you sleeping,
So peaceful and free from pain
I could not wish you back
To suffer that again.

March 3, 2015

To the family, may you find comfort during this time of much grief. Phillipians 4:6,7

Asheville, NC

Lisa

March 3, 2015

You have my deepest sympathy. May the God of loyal love comfort the family during your time of sorrow. Psalms 119:76

Kristina DeLeon

March 3, 2015

Ive known Joe pretty much my whole life he lives across the street from me. Hes always been so kind hearted & nice to me & my daughter. Every year giving me a christmas card with money in it telling me to buy her whatever she needed. My daughter loved Joe, always made a point to say Hi to him anytime she saw him & made sure that he heard her lol from the time she was talking til now at 10yrs old. He definetly was a fighter, he stayed strong & tried to fight his sickness as long as he could. He had the strong will to live. I have many great memories of him from my whole life it saddens me that hes gone. His family is in my prayers, much love.

Suzanne Carlos

March 3, 2015

I was sadden to hear the news of Joseph's passing. He was a wonderful mentor and friend. He will be missed but not forgotten.

Mimi Ottoboni Wall

March 2, 2015

Simply one of the very, very best God ever placed on earth. I honor this man as one of the four male figures in my life that had a greatly significant impact on who I am as an individual. He was vastly spiritual, oozed joyful enthusiasm about life, and had a sense of humor at every turn and setback. He was generous to a fault with everything he had, and all that he was. Joseph, your handprint is on my heart; because I knew you, I have been changed for good. I rejoice that you have been released from your painful earthly vessel. Dance joyfully with your arms in the air; I'm sure that like my Geo, you had an express trip into the arms of our Creator. Have a wonderful eternity. Thank you for all you were and did while you were here. Agape, dearest friend, Mimi Ottoboni Wall

Leslie Pike

March 1, 2015

Something made me look for this tonight. I was a friend of Joseph's since about 1966. He was an important part of my family's story, and I will never forget him. The last time we saw each other was a few years ago when my sister Cathy and I came to visit. I know Joseph was blessed with a loving family. He spoke so beautifully of them. I remember so many funny times with Joseph, and once we were even in a fashion show together at Santa Clara University. I was younger than him, but we had a special friendship. My parents were Earl and Emile a Gonzales, and they cherished their friendship with Joseph. I will send prayers for all his family,. He was loved by us all.

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