Edward E. Pavuk

Edward E. Pavuk, formerly of McKeesport, Penn., died Nov. 18 at his home in Winter Springs, Fla., after a brief battle with cancer. He was 88. Edward was born April 25, 1928 in McKeesport to Joseph Pavuk and Irene Droppa Pavuk. He graduated from East McKeesport High School and The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, and he also studied at Carnegie Mellon University. He briefly served in the U.S. Army before receiving a medical discharge. Edward worked at Westinghouse Air Brake Co. to earn his way through art college, and also held positions at Art Craft Printing in Duquesne and U.S. Steel, where he worked as a safety engineer and commercial artist. On Palm Sunday in 1952, Edward proposed to Vilma Pastor, and they were married August 3 of that year. Throughout the years, Edward consulted and freelanced for various companies including Camp Hill, CPI Industries, Larry Rothman Advertising Agency and Trust-Franklin Press. Edward was dedicated to serving others and the Lord, and was a role model to many. He lent his artistic talents to his church and local organizations, serving as the First Evangelical Free Church’s news magazine artist for 47 years. He served in many other capacities at the First Evangelical Free Church in McKeesport, including as chairman, deacon, trustee, a van driver, leader of the Senior Achievers and also the Christian Service Brigade/Pioneer Clubs. Edward also served as an assistant scout master. He was active with AARP #3221, Elizabeth Township Seniors, Life Span, the Mon Valley Health Club, and the Winter Springs Senior Center and Senior Art Group. Edward was a talented artist who enjoyed spending time with his family and painting watercolors. Since moving to Florida, Edward attended Saint Andrew’s Chapel and First Baptist Church Longwood. Edward is survived by his wife Vilma; children Diane (William) Ruhe of Benicia, Cali., and Edward S. (Cheryl) Pavuk of Winter Springs, Fla.; grandchildren Amy (Chris) Gentry, Bethany (Jeremy) Hancock, Erik (Rachel) Ruhe, Rebekah Ruhe, Jonathan (Taylor) Ruhe and Chad Ruhe; six great-grandchildren; sister Magdalene Reich; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; siblings Margaret Pavuk Dvorznak, Irene Pavuk Kovacs, Joseph Pavuk; and nephew Joseph Pavuk. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Dec. 3 at Glen Haven Memorial Park in Winter Park, Fla. Arrangements are being handled by Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Hospice of the Comforter, 480 W. Central Pkwy., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714; First Evangelical Free Church, 4001 University Drive, McKeesport, PA; or First Baptist Church Longwood, 891 East State Road 434, Longwood, FL 32750.