Dr. Stephen E. Pavlak
Dr. Stephen E. Pavlak, 88, Dean Emeritus of the Graduate School of California University of Pennsylvania, died unexpectedly at home on Friday, Dec. 10, 2004, at 12:15 p.m. He was born April 10, 1916, in Daisytown, Pa., a son of the late Protas and Mary (Kobulla) Pavlak.
For the last 88 years, he has resided in California, Pa.
Surviving are his lovely wife, Rose; his son, Dr. Stephen A. Pavlak and his wife, Patricia of Pleasant Hills, Pa.; and three grandchildren, Stephen E. Pavlak II and wife, Allison of Washington, D.C., Nancy E. Thurston and husband, Bill of New Jersey, and Sarah E. Pavlak of Pleasant Hills, Pa.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Protas Pavlak; and two sisters, Mary Sepesy and Anna Zibrida.
After receiving a B.S. Degree in Education from California State Teachers College in 1943, Dr. Pavlak earned his Master and Doctoral Degrees from the University of Pittsburgh, respectively in 1948 and 1956. After serving as a former elementary teacher and principal in East Pike Run Township and California Public Schools, Dr. Pavlak joined the California State Teachers’ College faculty in 1956, where he served as Professor of Education, Director of the Noss Laboratory School, Supervisor of Student Teachers, Director of Placement and Dean of Graduate School. He was past co-chairperson of the California University Emeriti Faculty Association and past president of the California Alumni Association. He was very active in California University, California Community and Church affairs. He was a veteran of World War II and served in the Pacific area. He was a member of the California American Legion, JFK Post 377. In 1990, he was the first recipient of the California University Foundation Award.
Friends will be received in the MARISCOTTI FUNERAL HOME INC., Anthony N. Mariscotti, Supervisor, 323 Fourth St., California, Pa., on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2004 from 7 to 9 p.m., on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., and until 9:30 a.m., on Tuesday, when a Blessing Service will be held, followed by a 10 a.m., Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, with the Rev. Fr. Mark Skertich officiating. Interment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Stephen E. Pavlak Scholarship Fund at California University of Pennsylvania.