Dr. Stephen E. Pavlak
Dr. Stephen E. Pavlak, age 88, Dean Emeritus of the Graduate School of California University of Pennsylvania, died unexpectedly at home on Friday, December 10, 2004, at 12:15 p.m.
He was born April 10, 1916, in Daisytown, Pa., son of Protas and Mary (Kobulla) Pavlak.
For the last 88 years he has resided in California, Pa.
After receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from California State Teachers College (now California University of Pennsylvania) in 1943, Dr. Pavlak earned his Masters Degree and his Doctoral Degree 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 the 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 Theatre. He was a member of the John F. Kennedy American Legion Post 377 in California, Pa.
In 1990, he was the first recipient of the California University Foundation Award.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Protas Pavlak, two sisters, Mary Pavlak Sepesy and Anna Pavlak Zibrida, and his parents.
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.
Friends will be received in the MARISCOTTI FUNERAL HOME INC., Anthony N. Mariscotti, Supervisor, 323 Fourth Street, California, Pa., today from 7 to 9 p.m., on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday, December 14, until 9:30 a.m. when a Blessing Service will be held.
Mass of Christian Burial follows at 10 a.m. in Saint Thomas Aquinas Church with the Rev. Father Mark A. Skertich as Celebrant.
Interment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Stephen E. Pavlak Scholarship Fund, California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419.