John "Pav" Pavlik, 100, of Carroll Township, PA, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2015.
He was born November 29, 1914 in Donora, PA., the son of the late John and Illona Julia (Bondira) Pavlik.
As an avid hunter and fisherman, Pav was an original founding member of both the Donora Sportsman's Association and the Eldora Rod & Gun Club. He was a mentor to generations of men, introducing them to hunting and an appreciation of the great outdoors. Pav was constantly drawing in young and old to various new and exciting endeavors. He was a lifetime member of the Carroll Township Fire Department, lifetime member of the Elks Club and member of St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church. He enjoyed playing pool, watching the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers games, playing cards, visiting friends, and was very giving to everyone he knew. Pav celebrated his 100th birthday with a party on November 22, 2014 along with over 125 family members and friends. The family is forever grateful to those that were able to attend the party and share wonderful memories on Pav's special occasion.
Pav and his late wife Jennie (Helon) Pavlik wintered in Sarasota, FL for more than 25 years. Together with Pav's sister Irene and husband Bill, Pav and Jennie owned and operated the Eldorado Tavern, which was a popular spot for many in the years the US Steel Mill was active. Pav worked for the US Steel Mill in Donora from the time he was a teenager until the mill closed in 1968. He took his skills as a crane operator and went on to work many years for Allenport Steel Mill before retiring.
In addition to his parents, Pav was preceded in death by his wife, Jennie, and three sisters, Irene Osleger, Margaret Stefan, and Helen Tomich. He is survived by his son Ronald Pavlik and wife Marie of Ft. Lauderdale, FL., daughter Judy Zale and husband Walter of Lititz, PA., daughter Carol Pavlik of Frisco, TX.; nephew Robert Osleger and wife Sue; seven grandchildren: Seann, Sven, Meredith, Michael, Molly, Aaron and Alec; six great grandchildren: Ronald, Grace, Rylan, Ethan, Aidan and Avery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony L. Massafra Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc., 40 Second Street Extension, Donora, PA 15033 (724) 379-6900 www.massafrafuneralhome.com .