Obituary of Joseph Lawrence Gariup

Joseph Lawrence Gariup

1936-2026

With great sadness we share news of the passing of Joseph (Joe) Gariup, in his 90th year, on Friday, January 23, 2026. Joe is survived by his spouse Barbara, his son James, and sister Silvana (Tino) and family in Italy, as well as his cousin Maryantonett (George), and is pre-deceased by his brother Lawrence. He formed close bonds as step-father to Jennie and Michael, and their partners and families, and was baby Chase’s proud and fond Nonno Joe.

Born on September 27, 1936, in the village of Scrutto, in the province of San Leonardo, Italy, Joe travelled to Canada in 1957, arriving in Halifax Harbour. He made his way to Edmonton, where he built railway tracks for two years. He then moved to Toronto, where he found work cutting and preparing meat in a market – skills that would form the first seeds of a long and celebrated career. 

He built his career in the grocery industry, first with Dominion stores, then with Loblaws, where he rose to the position of Director of Industry Relations and Meat Operations. After retirement, Joe continued to serve the industry as a respected consultant.  

Joe enjoyed soccer, cycling, running, sailing, golfing, and travelling. A treasured memory was a cycling adventure he and James undertook in Europe. He loved good food and good Italian wine, and especially enjoyed cooking for and entertaining family and friends. 

He and Barbara found each other after both had raised their children, and they built a loving home and life together, along with a succession of adored shih-tzus, who knew Joe was always good for a cookie. The couple travelled extensively together. Joe embraced the opportunity to share his birthplace with Barbara, and explore Italy together. 

Rarely the centre of attention, Joe nonetheless enjoyed sharing his experiences with friends and family, and loved golfing, travelling and dining with good companions. Family and friends will remember his perfectly barbecued steaks, burgers, and Christmas turkeys.

He will be remembered for his kind, generous spirit; his love for his family; and his dry sense of humour, trading gentle quips with caregivers and family even in his final days. 

Visitation will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Dixon-Garland Funeral Home, 166 Main Street N, Markham, ON.

Donations may be made to Markhaven Home for Seniors

54 Parkway Ave., Markham, Ontario L3P 2G4

Phone: 905-294-2233 

markhaven.ca or to a charity of your choosing.