Resolution 83:05: Memorial for Peter Pavuk

Elder Peter Pavuk, of the Wilson Presbyterian Church of Clairton, Pennsylvania, having died on July 31, 2015, and passed on to the glory of heaven and his Lord, is hereby memorialized. 

Elder Peter “Pete” Pavuk was born on June 27, 1923 in Hecla, Pennsylvania to the late Andrew and Barbara Hnatko Pavuk. Pete attended Grove City College where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. He worked as a metallurgist and foreman of the BTX plant at US Steel Clairton Works for 31 years. 

Pete served in the US Army during World War II in the Quartermaster Corp, receiving the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars, the WWII Victory Medal, among other honors. 

A long-time supporter of education, Pete served on the West Jefferson Hills School Board as a council member. While running for the office, he visited every residence in the borough. He took joy in the accomplishment and loved to recount stories of his knocking on doors and meeting people. 

Pete became a member of the Wilson Presbyterian Church in 1953. In the course of years, our Lord Jesus developed Peter into one of the “men of the church.” He served our Lord and His church as an Elder and then Clerk of Session over 30 years. Pete supported and led Wilson Church through its withdrawal from the PC(USA) and into the Bible Presbyterian Synod. He taught an Adult Sunday School class and regularly visited our congregation with Pastor Ben. He would grin and say, “Visiting with Pastor Ben wasn’t a job, it was an adventure.” He also volunteered as a chaplain at Jefferson Hospital for twenty-six years where he was a faithful witness, evangelist, and encourager. Pete loved to pray with people and tell folks about Jesus. His love for people and gentle caring spirit was known and admired by many. 

In the home, Pete loved woodworking, and was the ultimate tinkerer who enjoyed fixing things. He also enjoyed hiking outdoors, gardening, and painting. 

Pete was the loving husband of Gloria Lorentz Pavuk for sixty-three years. He is survived by son Mark (Sue Morris) Pavuk of Waretown, NJ and daughters Barbara (Perry) Recker of Pleasant Hills, PA and Jean (Robert) Beck of Palm Bay, FL. Pete is also survived by his six grandchildren.