Joseph R. Gavalis Sr., 81, of North Manheim Township, passed away Sunday evening while surrounded by his entire family at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

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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