Senate Resolution 63
By: Senators Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Albers of the 56th, Williams of the 25th, Burns of the
23rd, Moore of the 53rd and others
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and memory of Joseph Gavalis; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens
with the passing of Joseph Gavalis; and
WHEREAS, during his distinguished career as a federal agent, Joseph Gavalis fought against
organized crime and labor racketeering, taking on dangerous mobsters and corrupt labor
bosses to protect workers striving to make a living; and
WHEREAS, after retiring from federal law enforcement, he and his wife, Susan, settled in
Cobb County, Georgia, where he served as a leader and president of his homeowner's
association, resolving neighbors' concerns, navigating local government, and acting as a
liaison with local police; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Gavalis volunteered extensively with the Cobb County government,
serving on the Cobb Neighborhood Safety Commission and as a founding member of the
Cobb County Elder Abuse Task Force, where he collaborated with officials and legislators
to combat elder abuse; and
WHEREAS, as founder of the North Georgia Elder Abuse Task Force, he worked with local
and federal law enforcement across the region, educated groups about scams targeting the
elderly, and helped resolve local issues related to elder abuse; and
WHEREAS, over 10 years, he conducted workshops for approximately 10,000 seniors,
teaching them about elder abuse prevention and distributing scent kits to help locate
dementia sufferers before harm could occur; and
WHEREAS, he gave inspiration to many through his high ideals, morals, and deep concern
for his fellow citizens, and the devotion, patience, and understanding he demonstrated to his
family and friends were admired by others; and
WHEREAS, he was a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation
for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness, and by the example he made of his life, he
made this world a better place in which to live; and
WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous man, Joseph Gavalis will long be remembered
for his love of family, friendship, and community and will be missed by all who had the great
fortune of knowing him.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
join in honoring the life and memory of Joseph Gavalis and express their deepest and most
sincere regret at his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of
Joseph Gavalis.