Joseph Anthony Gawlik

Joseph Anthony Gawlik, 77, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2025.

Joseph was born in Evergreen Park, IL, A son of the late Rudolph A. Gawlik and Anna Ernest Gawlik and brother of the late John Gawlik. Joe graduated from Mendel Catholic High School in 1966. Joe attended the University of Dayton, in Dayton Ohio, and graduated with a degree in biology in 1970. Joe joined the Navy after college and became an intelligence officer. He attended Naval Postgraduate School where he earned a Master’s degree in National Security Affairs. Joe served proudly for twenty years. After retiring from the Navy in Northern Virginia, Joe continued to support the intelligence community through jobs with government contractors.

In 2012 Joe, and his wife of 52 years, Virginia (Gini) moved to Aiken, South Carolina to enjoy a second retirement. Joe loved to play golf and travel whenever possible. He was an avid reader and became a lifelong learner, taking history and culture related classes at USCAiken.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia Wright Gawlik; two daughters, Christine (Dwayne Reynolds) Lindahl, Fredericksburg, VA, and Emily G. (Brad) Laskos, Windermere, FL; a son, Brian (Jamie Raymond) Gawlik, Merritt Island, FL; four grandchildren, Katherine Reynolds, J.C. Reynolds, Sadie Reynolds and Ian Laskos; a sister, Judy Fitzgerald; and a brother, Rudy Gawlik.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

The Gawlik family would like to recognize the compassionate caregivers from DayBreak, especially, Jeanette and Roger. The family is also grateful to Trinity Hospice for their support.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial donations to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (www.nmcrs.org), Wounded Warriors, or any other US military service related charity.

SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 715 E. PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC