Joseph Charles Sanda

Joseph Charles Sanda, age 61, of Dover, died peacefully early Wednesday morning, September 28, 2011, in Aultman Hospital at Canton following a nine year battle with a Myeloproliferative Disorder.Best known as Joe to his family and friends, he was born at Cleveland, December 17, 1949, a son of the late Joseph Edward and Josephine Karfelt Sanda. Growing up in Euclid, Joe attended and graduated from Euclid High School, and was always proud to have been a Panther. He continued his education at Kent State University, earning a B.S. in History and Education in 1971, and later a Master of Arts in Education in 1986 from John Carroll University. While at Kent State University, Joe became a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.A lifelong learner, Joe lived his life believing and expecting the best of others. As an educator, he began his career teaching and coaching at Cleveland John Hay High School before settling into Warrensville Heights High School where he fell in love with coaching football for 33 years and baseball for 13 years. Joe went on to teach and be an influential figure in the lives of young people in that community. With an appreciation for history, Joe recounted his experience as a student on Kent State’s Campus on that fateful day in May, 1970, when the campus became a war zone.Following his retirement from Warrensville Heights in the autumn of 2002, Joe took on a new challenge as the Coordinator of the Educational Opportunity Center, a part of the Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher Education at Kent State University’s Tuscarawas Campus. Joe so enjoyed campus life, he entered the classroom again teaching Physical Education, Undergraduate Studies and Orientation, as well as Reading and Study Skills. Active in the community, Joe was a member of Dover’s First United Methodist Church, The Union Country Club, Kent State University’s Alumni Association, The Sigma Phi Epsilon Alumni Group, and was a former member of The Rotary Club of Dover. At home, Joe taught his daughter and son to appreciate the Turner Classic Movie Channel, watching old black and white movies together. He was the proud owner of three classic antique cars. Joe enjoyed rabbit hunting and always had a place in his home for a beagle, a tribute to his father who maintained a beagle kennel at his home. He’ll be remembered by his students for his highly organized and detail oriented nature. Joe was meticulous about his appearance, and appreciated a tidy desk. On August 30, 1997, Joe married the former Stephanie Deeds, following a three year courtship. They are the proud parents of a daughter, Abigail Elizabeth “Abbey” Sanda and a son, Joseph Charles “Chase” Sanda II, all of whom reside at Dover. In addition to his wife, daughter, and son, Joe leaves behind a family that includes his sister, Joanne Sanda of North Bergen, New Jersey, his father and mother-in-law; Charles and Virginia Deeds of Dover, two sisters-in-law; Melinda Deeds of Dover, and Ginger (husband, David) Giesen, and their children; Will, Taylor, Claire and Tom Giesen, all of Greenwood Village, Colorado, and a brother-in-law; C. Jason “Jay” (wife, Erin) Deeds and their children; Katie, Charlie, Megan, Mary and Bridget Deeds, all of Dover. Joe’s family is grateful for the many healing hands they encountered at Dr. Schmotzer’s office, as well as the friendships forged and the caring spirit conveyed in the Union Hospital Ambulatory Department during Joe’s regular visits in recent years. It was this caring spirit, coupled with Joe’s indomitable will to live despite his significant health challenges that enabled him to survive nine years beyond diagnosis, despite only a three year initial prognosis. Joe was a fighter, all the way to the end. Friends are invited to call Sunday afternoon from 1-4 in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. The Rev. Bruce McLaughlin will officiate Joe’s funeral service Monday at 10:30 in Dover’s First United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in Dover Burial Park. Family and friends will gather for a luncheon reception in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover upon the conclusion of the graveside service. Those unable to attend are invited to share memories and condolences with the family, by visiting the Sanda memorial on the funeral home’s website. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Muskingum Lakes Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1451 4th Street NW New Philadelphia OH 44663, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.