Michael B. Pavelschak

Michael B. “Mike” Pavelschak died peacefully on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, with his wife and children by his side, while recuperating at Amherst Manor from a brief hospital stay.

The son of Basil Pavelschak and Mary (Pavelschak) Smotzer, he had two brothers, Steve and John, all deceased.

Mike was born in Lorain on March 5, 1921 which made him a centenarian, celebrating his 100th birthday this year. His birthday was highlighted with a proclamation by Mayor Jack Bradley of Lorain and a grand outdoor celebration including a neighborhood parade attended by the Veterans, Polish Fishermen Club, firefighters, police, as well as many family members and longtime friends.

Michael was especially proud to serve in the United States Army, doing tours of duty in Alaska and the South Pacific, before being honorably discharged in 1946. He received the American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

He was married to his wife Germaine (nee Mielcarek) for 62 years, raising five children together. He was a lifelong resident of Lorain, working at the U.S. Steel Mill for 42 years before retiring in 1982. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, and especially loved flower gardening and taking great pride in caring for his yard. He belonged to a number of social clubs, most notably the Polish Fishermen’s Club (of which he was an officer and their oldest member), Amvets, Knights of Columbus, and the United Polish Clubs (both in Lorain and Elyria). He had a passion for “gaming”, enjoying trips to Las Vegas and more recently, the casinos nearby. He visited the MGM Grand on July 8, 2021 less than three weeks ago. He leaves this legacy “live life to the fullest with no regrets” to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Germaine Pavelschak; children, Alan (Barbara) of North Ridgeville, Sharon (Joseph) Rigo of Palm Coast, Florida, Dale (Kathy) of Amherst, Debbie (Dave) Meyers of Lorain, and Michael (Karen) of Lorain; grandchildren, Jeffrey Pavelschak, Colonel Jason Pavelschak USAF (Colleen), Douglas Pavelschak, Matthew Pavelschak, Paul Rigo, Mark (Krissie) Rigo, John Rigo, Melissa Pavelschak, and Julie (Matt) Ross; and great-grandchildren, Conner, Logan, Austin, Jocelyn, Cameron, Dillon, Calista, Maxwel, Joey, Emily, Sophie, Luke, Lili, Jaxon, Cameron, and Colton.

Michael’s family will receive family and friends at Reidy-Scanlan-Giovannazzo Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2150 Broadway, Lorain, OH, (440) 244-1961 on Friday, July 30, 2021 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Closing prayers will be held at the funeral home on Saturday at 10:15 AM. Michael’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 31, 2021 at St. Peter Parish, 3655 Oberlin Ave., Lorain, OH, 44053, Fr. Craig M. Hovanec, Pastor, officiating. Christian burial services will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Lorain, OH with military honors by AmVets Post 32. Online condolences and gifts of sympathy may be shared with the family by using www.rsgfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael B. Pavelschak, please visit our floral store.