Warren Stephen Canale
Warren Stephen Canale, “Dub” was born November 29, 1950 in Memphis, TN. He graduated from Christian Brothers High School in 1968 and was later inducted into the CBHS Hall of Fame. He received his Bachelors Degree in Political Science from Memphis State before joining the army based in Fort Jackson, SC. He went on to work in his family business as a funeral director where he became the president of Canale Funeral Directors.
He is preceded in death by his parents John Ford and Dorothy S. Canale, and his brother John Ford Canale, Jr. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 47 years, Cheryl Marberry Canale, two sons whom he was exceedingly proud of, Nicklaus Stephen Canale (Meredith) and J. Ford Canale (Sophie), his four precious grandchildren that he cherished and adored, Ford, Jr., Rollins, Camille, and Palmer, his beloved siblings, Randy Canale (Cindy) of Lubbock, TX, Bevan Canale (Ann) of Destin, FL, Lynn Canale
Lifsey (Bill) of Memphis Sturla Canale (Pat) of Memphis, sisters in law Pat Canale of Memphis and Joan Marberry of Jackson, TN, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Warren was a man of great faith and began each day going to 6:30 Mass at IC and then picking up Cheryl for coffee before heading to the funeral home where he greeted his sons each morning as they began their days working side by side. His morning routine speaks volumes of his priorities: God and family. He made an effort at every turn to make someone’s day brighter, and even the baristas at Starbucks became friends whom he happily shared a crisp $50 bill with any chance he got, and his ripple effect of small acts of kindness became tidal waves of goodness. Warren was many things to many people. Most people knew him from the funeral home as the stronghold in their hardest days. The way he cared for countless families all over Memphis and beyond is unmatched. He found ways to keep the halls at work light by constantly singing little tunes as he walked down the halls, rarely getting the words right, but always making everyone smile and giggle. When not at the funeral home, you could find him at Chickasaw-his home away from home- playing golf with his very best friends, in the Men’s grill, or spending time with and cheering on his grandchildren.
His genuine kindness and compassion shined through to both strangers and friends alike in his professional and personal life, and his generous heart and spirit impacted all. Humbly, he was always giving to others quietly and lovingly just as the Lord instructed. His smile was magic, his impact is far reaching, and his absence will be even greater. He fought the good fight and never gave up. There is no doubt that as he ran into the Kingdom of Heaven that he heard the Lord say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Well done”
Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm Friday, December 15th at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Funeral Mass will also be at the Cathedral at 11:00 am Saturday, December 16th with burial to follow at St. John’s Cemetery.
The family has requested that memorials be sent to The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, St. Agnes Academy-st. Dominic School, or Christian Brothers High School.