Joseph “Joe” Gavalis a lover of people and a law enforcer was a staunch supporter of Georgia’s older adult population. Through his decades of stellar services and support of older adults, Mr. Gavalis worked tirelessly to establish and promote programs, taskforces, and conduct training of law enforcement officers and civilians in the areas of Elder Abuse, Exploitation, Fraud, and neglect.

Joe Gavalis’ dedication and commitment to ensuring the protection of the older adult population led to the creation of CTG and Associates and the North Georgia Elder Abuse Task Force Foundation formally the Cobb Elder Abuse Task Force. Both organizations’ goals were to eliminate elder abuse, exploitation and fraud. Mr. Gavalis’ efforts have gain positive results and have equipped and enabled National, State, and local authorities to collaborate on behalf of older adults in stemming these issues. Joe Gavalis also worked to facilitate collaborations between state and local representatives, local law enforcement agencies, and the GBI to protect the interests of older Georgians living in long term care facilities. Joe was passionate about protecting people living with dementia and to protect them he created the lifesaving device, the canine scent preservation kit, which is still being used in saving lives.

Joe Gavalis had a larger-than-life attitude, an empathetic heart, and lived a life of service to Georgians, and the United States. Joe was dedicated to caring for and loving people, and for this we thank you.

We thank the Gavalis family for sharing and allowing Joe to be a part of our family. We mourn your loss and send our prayers of blessings and comfort to you.