Steve Pavicich

August 31, 1926 – October 14, 2026

Steve Pavicich lived 100 years and spent most of them showing up for other people. He was a Croatian translator in his youth, Navy sailor, trapeze acrobat, builder, and Croatian language teacher. He was also a hunter and fisherman who would hike deep into the backcountry or up to high mountain lakes. He loved deep-sea fishing just as much. He could fix almost anything and was always willing to help his family, friends, and community. Everyone knew him as Jim, Jimbo, or Steve, and plenty of people who weren't his grandchildren called him Grandpa.

Steve was born at his family home in Pueblo on August 31, 1926, to John and Anna Pavicich. He graduated from Pueblo Central High School and followed his brother into the U.S. Navy. He was eager to serve before he was old enough, but his stepfather wouldn't allow it until he graduated from high school. He turned 18 while in the Navy. It would not be the last time he stepped forward when he was needed. He served as a sailor in the South Pacific during World War II and boxed while in the Navy.

Back home in Pueblo, Steve practiced acrobatics at the "Steel Y," the Pueblo YMCA. That is where he met Virginia "Ginger" Duffield. The two performed together in an adagio and trapeze troupe into the early 1950s. Not many couples can say they learned to trust each other on a trapeze. Steve was the catcher and Ginger the flyer, so you could say he caught the love of his life out of thin air. Steve and Ginger were married for 49½ years, until her death in 1999. He never stopped loving her and missed her every day they were apart.

After his time in the service, Steve worked as a mason, carpenter, and finish carpenter. He then built his career at the Pueblo Army Depot in quality control and equipment inspection, including work on the Pershing and Tomahawk missiles. Assignments there took him to Germany for training and inspection work, and at one point he worked with rocket pioneer Wernher von Braun. After he and his longtime friend Pete Julius retired from the Depot, the two ran a construction and maintenance business for many years. It suited him. If something was broken, Steve knew how to fix it, and he would help you fix it too.

Faith was at the center of Steve's life. He was a lifelong member of St. Therese Catholic Church and belonged to the Adoration Society for more than 60 years. He rarely missed Mass, and he never ate a meal without saying grace. All of his Fridays were meatless.

Steve was proud of his Croatian heritage. He made several trips to Croatia, his family's homeland, including a memorable trip with the whole family. For decades, he was active with the Okolitza Tamburitzans. He taught Croatian to children and adults and translated the lyrics of Croatian folk songs so younger generations could understand what they were singing. At the group's annual strudel fundraisers, he stretched, rolled, and packaged more strudel than most bakeries. He also volunteered in scouting and was a member of the Elks Lodge, where he bowled in the league.

Steve was a gifted storyteller. He could hold a room, draw people in, and send them home laughing. He was direct, honest, and humble, and he never put on airs. His door was always open. If you needed a place to stay, a warm meal, or someone in your corner during a hard time, he was there, and he didn't judge. He showed up, often when others didn't, and he stayed curious about the lives of the people he loved.

Steve grew with the years, and the people who knew him longest will tell you he got better with every one of them. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was a steady source of quiet wisdom.

Steve was preceded in death by his wife, Ginger, and his daughter, Darlynn, who passed in infancy. He was also preceded by his parents, John and Anna, his stepfather, George Chapo Sr., and his siblings Mark, Kathrine, Mary "Pesty," and George. His sister Mary Ann Monk survives him.

He is survived by his children, Jim (Karen), Bob, LeeAnna, and John (Mary), and by his daughter-in-law, Gina Pavicich. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jamie, Cory (Jessica), Alex, Nicole, and Adam, and his great-grandchildren, Persephone, Cordelia, and Eleanora. He is also survived by a large group of nieces and nephews, many of whom knew him as Uncle James and counted him as a close and beloved uncle.

A Rosary will be held Friday, October 30, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Therese Catholic Church, followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow immediately after the Mass at Roselawn Cemetery. Refreshments will be served afterward at T.G. McCarthy Funeral Home. Please join us and bring a story to share.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Okolitza Tamburitzans, Paws for Life Animal Welfare and Protection Society, or a charity of your choice.