JOHN PAWLUK JR.
HAMPTON, Va. - John Pawluk Jr. passed on to life eternal on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, at York Convalescent and Rehab Center, Yorktown, Virginia.
Mr. Pawluk was born on June 15, 1933, in Watervliet, New York, a son of the late John and Anna Pawluk. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1953 and began his career as an air policeman. Mr. Pawluk soon moved on to the club business, where he excelled. In 1961, he was awarded the Military Air Command Club Manager of the Year; in 1973, the U.S. Air Forces Europe Club Manager of the Year; and in 1976, the Tactical Air Command Club Manager of the Year. He retired as a chief master sergeant in 1977. He continued working in Air Force Clubs as a civilian and was awarded the 1982 Tactical Air Command Club Manager of the Year as well as the Air Force Club Manager of the Year. Mr. Pawluk's final civilian position with the Air Force was as Headquarters Air Combat Command Services Business Branch Chief from which he retired in 1997. He was inducted into the IMCEA Military Club Hall of Fame in 1998. Mr. Pawluk established a training institute which ultimately became the standard for all Air Force Clubs. After retirement, he was active with the Poquoson Kiwanis as treasurer as well as working the seafood festival every year. He also spent much of his time at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church and was involved in AHEPA, the Greek Festival and working the weekly bingo.
Surviving are his loving wife of 61 years of marriage, Marie; three daughters, Karen Pawluk Rissling (Eric) of Yorktown, Nadine Pawluk of San Antonio and Lisa Pawluk Hansen (Jon) of Hampton; five grandchildren, Erin Rissling of Yorktown, Laura Moore (Jeffrey) of Poquoson, Virginia, Neil Rissling (Jasmine), U.S. Army, Germany, Steven Rissling (Emily) of Hampton and Samuel Smith of San Antonio; and one great-grandchild, Rowen Moore.
Mr. Pawluk was preceded in death by a sister, Nadine Banit.
The family will receive visitors from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home with a Trisagion Service beginning at 3 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church with the Rev. George Chirios officiating. Interment will follow at Parklawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society.
Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.
Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.