HR227: HR227 Gavalis; Joseph; condolences

25 LC 112 2933 House Resolution 227 By: Representatives Cooper of the 45th, Seabaugh of the 34th, Parsons of the 44th, Carson of the 46th, and Ehrhart of the 36th A RESOLUTION Honoring the life and memory of Joseph Gavalis; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens2 with the passing of Joseph Gavalis; and3 WHEREAS, during his distinguished career as a federal agent, Joseph Gavalis fought against4 organized crime and labor racketeering, taking on dangerous mob sters and corrupt labor5 bosses to protect workers striving to make a living; and6 WHEREAS, after retiring from federal law enforcement, he and his wife, Susan, settled in7 Cobb County, Georgia, where he served as a leader and president of his homeowner's8 association, resolving neighbors' concerns, navigating local go vernment, and acting as a9 liaison with local police; and10 WHEREAS, Joseph Gavalis volunteered extensively with the Cobb C ounty government,11 serving on the Cobb Neighborhood Safety Commission and as a fou nding member of the12 Cobb County Elder Abuse Task Force, where he collaborated with officials and legislators13 to combat elder abuse; and14 H. R. 227 - 1 - 25 LC 112 2933 WHEREAS, as founder of the North Georgia Elder Abuse Task Force, he worked with local15 and federal law enforcement across the region, educated groups about scams targeting the16 elderly, and helped resolve local issues related to elder abuse; and17 WHEREAS, over 10 years, he conducted workshops for approximatel y 10,000 seniors,18 teaching them about elder abuse prevention and distributing sce nt kits to help locate19 dementia sufferers before harm could occur; and20 WHEREAS, he gave inspiration to many through his high ideals, morals, and deep concern21 for his fellow citizens, and the devotion, patience, and understanding he demonstrated to his22 family and friends were admired by others; and23 WHEREAS, he was a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation24 for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness, and by the example he made of his life, he25 made this world a better place in which to live; and26 WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous man, Joseph Gavalis will long be remembered27 for his love of family, friendship, and community and will be missed by all who had the great28 fortune of knowing him.29 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that30 the members of this body join in honoring the life and memory of Joseph Gavalis and express31 their deepest and most sincere regret at his passing.32 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized33 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the34 family of Joseph Gavalis.35 H. R. 227 - 2 -