Joseph George Pavolich
October 31, 1921 - June 30, 2013
Obituary
Joseph George Pavolich, 91 of SeaTac, WA, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, June 30, 2013. He was born on October 31, 1921, in Painesdale, MI a son of Louis and Ann Pavolich. Joe was a graduate of Adams Township High School Class of 1939. After graduation he worked at the Copper Ridge Mining Co. in Painesdale, and then at the Anaconda Mining Co. in Butte, Mt. In 1944 he joined the US Army and served in Germany with the 15th Engineers 9th Division until 1946. After his military service, Joe moved to Seattle and worked at Sears for over 40 years. Joe married Marjorie Estella Croff on March 31, 1951; they had four children.
Joe was quite the talented bowler in his day; throwing strikes and getting turkeys was common for him. He was a tinkerer and enjoyed taking things apart, and was a craftsman who hand carved model airplanes (including biplanes and seaplanes). During Seafair, Joe made hydroplanes for the kids to pull behind their bikes. Joe was also an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. The Seattle Mariners were his team, especially when they were winning!
Joe spent a lot of time giving back to his community: He was an active member of St. Thomas Parish and the USO, until he gave up driving. His routine was to pick and deliver baked goods donated by the local grocery stores to St Thomas Parish and the USO at SeaTac airport. He also offered conversation and sandwiches to service personal passing through the airport.
Joseph Pavolich is survived by his four children: Georgina (Jim) Hines, Joseph (Gayla) Pavolich Jr., Linda (Darrell) Hutchinson, and Marsha Weatherhogg. He was Grandfather to Lisa (Clay) Hand, Laurie (Matt) de la Guardia, Crystal Titchenal, Joseph Pavolich III, Jaclyn Pavolich, Wayne Hutchinson, Casey (Megan) Hutchinson, Mark Weatherhogg, and Melissa Weatherhogg. He was a Great-grandfather to Jessica and Alex Hand, Hannah and Hadley Hutchinson, Bryan and Ian Gallagher, and Carmen de la Guardia. He has one surviving brother, Donald Pavolich, from Mohawk, MI.
Preceding him in death was his loving wife Marjorie, his parents Louis and Ann Pavolich, his seven brothers: Luke, Tony, John, Rudy, George, Matt, and Bobby, and two sisters: Ann Butkovich, and Mary Millard.
RIP Joe you brought much good to the world while you were here. And left a wonderful legacy in your family.
So sorry to hear of Your dad’s passing. He was such a nice guy.I know how hard it is to lose a parent but on the bright side he with your mom again. I can’t make it to the fureral but wanted to let you know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you
Joe, Thanks for the memories !!!
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was a good man.