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116 South Liberty Street
Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania
Joseph Gavalis Obituary
Born in Orwigsburg, he was a son of the late Joseph and Mary Daldo Gavalis.
Joseph graduated from Orwigsburg High School before enlisting in the Air Force, serving as an airplane mechanic.
After the military, he married Marie Zackus, his wife of 53 years. They started a family and he bought his first truck.
Over the years, he owned several companies and hauled for many more. Eventually, he and his sons started J.R. Trucking and Rigging Inc. He was very proud of the successful company they created, admiring his fleet daily.
He enjoyed aviation, from flying his airplanes and helicopter to attending air shows across the country. He also enjoyed going to NASCAR races, especially in Daytona.
He was the patriarch of his five children and seven grandchildren. Family gatherings and spoiling his grandchildren were his true passions.
Joseph was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Marie; three brothers, Leonard and Michael Saurazas and William Gavalis.
Surviving are his caring daughters, Judie Gavalis-Yob, Orwigsburg, Sandra Carrington, York, and Susan Gavalis, Minersville; two dependable sons, Joseph Jr. and James, both of Pottsville; seven very special grandchildren, Sarah, Michael, Matthew and Ryan Yob, Jordan Gavalis, and Elijah and Valerie Carrington; a compassionate sister, Frances Nagle, Pottsville.
Family and friends are invited to call from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Hamilton Funeral Home, Orwigsburg, and from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Monday at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, J.R. would want you to go out and purchase something nice for yourself or your children. Life is short ... treat yourself!
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Gavalis
Sponsored by anonymous.
Jimmy Neumeister
November 2, 2014
Sorry to hear of Joe's passing I worked at Lindenmuth's lumber when he had trucks hauling from there what a nice man he was take care and God bless
John and Joanne Plaxa
November 2, 2014
We will always remember your smile and the twinkle in your eyes. Your love for your family. Will miss seeing you at the firehouse breakfast. Will think of you every time we pass through Nikomis. Prayers are with you.
November 1, 2014
prayers for all the family . my father drove for him when I was very young . always had great resect for him. God bless Ed Folk
November 1, 2014
The last two sentences of this obituary are the greatest, and speak volumes about the character of this man. I wish I could have known him.
Mark Frew Pilot Truck Stop Pine Grove
October 31, 2014
Joe and Jim
So sorry of the passing of your Pop. I have a lot of great memories of your Dad, working at SPI. He will be greatly missed. Our sympathy to the whole family.
Dennis Levan Jr. and Family
October 31, 2014
We are very sorry to hear of his passing, he was a great man to know, always full of life. We will remember him fondly, our sympathies, thoughts & prayers to all of the Gavalis Family during this difficult time.
Barb Weaver, Curt Merkel.
Joseph Mailloux Jr.
October 31, 2014
They just don't make hard working family guys like this much any more.
sorry for your loss.
Joseph J. Mailloux Jr.
Marylee Boroski
October 31, 2014
To Joe's Family. Your family is our family, too. So many great, fond memories. Their wedding and the thrill of being with all of the family. Then, when they would drive down to the Ohio Valley for our Family Reunion in their fantastic Truck with all of their Grandchildren. Those wonderful, loving memories will always be with us. There was no-one more dedicated or passionate about their family than Marie and Joseph. Love them so. Will miss them. We must continue keeping in touch.
Always, Marylee
October 30, 2014
Judi ,Joe & Jim , What fond memories of St. Ambrose with Marie & Joe ,both so connected with their children & community. God grant him peace and strength to you all in this time of sorrow.
Rosalie Rogers (Fort Mill, SC)
October 30, 2014
So sorry for your loss, I will miss chewing the fat with him at the front counter. He will be greatly missed!
Jennifer (Baruka) Cholko
October 29, 2014
Joe & Judie,
I am so sorry about your dad. He was a nice man.
Tina Schaeffer
October 29, 2014
Judie, Joe, Jordan and family my heart is saddened by the news of your loss of a wonderful person. May God comfort you all in your time of need. Thoughts and prayers always and God Bless.
Joe Sr. with my Dad "The Chess Player" (at my Wedding Nov 1989)
Albert Gavalis
October 29, 2014
Joe Sr. really left behind a legacy for his children and grandchildren - Ecclesiastes 7:1 A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of one's death, than the day of one's birth.
Sylvia Beury
October 29, 2014
So sorry to hear of Uncle Joes passing, though I saw very little of him these last years, I have a lot of memories of him when I was just a little girl. Kids always put a smile on his face and pride in his heart. He was a good man, God grant him peace in eternity. Sylvia Saurazas Harrison Laguna Beury
tree
October 29, 2014
REST IN PEASE MY FREIND
Thomas Maley
October 29, 2014
...The sincere condolences of all the members of the Trooper Philip Melley Memorial Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police are hereby respectfully conveyed to the entire Gavalis family...
Retta
October 29, 2014
So sorry for your loss, keeping your family in my prayers. He will continue to live on in your hearts with the wonderful memories you have of him!
October 29, 2014
Some people just seem invincible. That's what you are Pop Pop Joe... you will live forever in our hearts & memories!! Love you!
Thoughts and prayers to the entire family!
Marty Koch
October 29, 2014
To the Gavalis family, As I sit here with tears in my eyes I write this message...Just remember to keep all of your memories close to your heart and they will help you through the rough times.Until we all meet again may you Rest in Peace and may God Bless the family.Mardell(Marty Shappell)Koch (Nupper)
ellen fink
October 29, 2014
Honesty and integrity over this man's lifetime. Thank you Joe
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Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc.116 South Liberty Street, Orwigsburg, PA 17961
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