Joseph Gatt, drug rehabilitation pioneer, dies aged 81
Gatt joined Caritas Malta after two decades in the police force
Joseph Gatt, a former police officer who helped develop Caritas Malta's drug rehabilitation services, has died aged 81, his family announced Sunday.
Gatt served in the police force for two decades, during which time he and two other officers formed the specialist drug squad.
His experiences in the unit inspired him to approach Caritas founder Mgr Victor Grech to join the organisation after leaving the police. He began developing and coordinating the rehabilitation programme in 1985.
During his time at the charity he oversaw the opening of the San Blas Therapeutic Community centre and managed Caritas’ Prison Inmates Programme at Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq — a residential rehabilitation service for male inmates with addiction issues.
He continued to serve on the Caritas Malta board following his retirement from the organisation in 2005.
Born in Sliema in 1944, Gatt was a regular member of the Sacro Cuor Parish community, serving as an usher for decades, and a member of the Secular Order of Franciscans.
Speaking on behalf of the family, his son Peter described him as “a man of great integrity, infectious charisma, and a strong moral conviction towards all that is right.
“We have been privileged to have had him as a figure to aspire to in his devotion towards God, commitment towards people and the community."
Caritas Malta expressed its condolences and described Gatt as a dedicated person who loved and was loved by the residents of the drug rehabilitation centre.
"He was a gentleman, a generous man of huge integrity, a role model of how to live the Caritas experience as a vocation," Caritas said. "He will never be forgotten."
Gatt is survived by his wife, Josephine, his children Peter, Antoine, Adrian and Marie Claire and grandchildren.
His funeral will be held at Sacro Cuor Parish Church, Sliema, on Tuesday at 9am. The family requests that instead of flowers, donations are made to Caritas Malta.