We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Gaithel Ware III of Sacramento on October 17, 2011. He passed peacefully at home with his family by his side. he was the beloved husband of Leslie for 44 years: loving father of Stacey, Richard(Kathy) and Karrie (Brian); loving grandfather of Emily, Devin, Lauren, Kristen, Sam and William; loving brother of Judy Lewe(Alan), Patty Davis(Roger) and Diane Allensworth(Gary); loving son-in-law of William and Doris Bisencio and sister-in-law Connie Bisencio.

Gaithel was born in Corpus Christi, Texas and raised in Sacramento. While at Hiram Johnson High School he was named to the All City baseball team. Gaithel served with the Sacramento Police Department from 1976 until his retirement in 1999, he was awarded the department’s Silver Star for pulling a family from a burning vehicle after a head-on collision. He was an admired and respected leader in the department rising through the ranks, serving as a Police Officer, Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Union Institute and his Masters Degree from Cal Poly, Pomona. he was a graduate of the FBI National Academy and a graduate of the prestigious California Law Enforcement Command College. He was involved in many community organizations including the Police Athletic League, Airport Little League and was a founding member of the Law Enforcement Chaplaincy of Sacramento. In his retirement Gaithel taught criminal justice courses at CSUS and was a volunteer for Channel 13’s “Call Kurtis”.

He was a generous, caring and dedicated person who loved police work. Those who knew him have their own cherished stories to recall regarding Gaithel. From humble beginnings he rose to accomplish the things he wanted in his personal and professional life. He will never be forgotten.

You are invited to attend a celebration of his life at 1 PM, Saturday, October 29, 2011 at First Baptist Church of Elk Grove, 8939 East Stockton Blvd., 95624. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made in his name to the Law Enforcement Chaplaincy of Sacramento, PO Box 2829, Sacramento, CA 95812