Eight Bells: Dave Pavelko

David James Pavelko, 50, of Waterford, CT passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on June 30, 2024 after losing his year long battle with Pancreatic Cancer. David was born on July 8, 1973 in Bridgeport, CT, the son of the late James Edward Pavelko and Susan Henchman Pavelko.

David was a proud graduate of Fairfield College Prepatory School from which he made lasting friendships, and attended Roanoke College before starting his career as a professional sailor, rigger, and boat captain. David was an avid skier, loved all musical genres, especially The Grateful Dead and could always be found with a book in his hand.

As a child, he learned to sail on Long Island Sound, spending his childhood in the sailing program at Housatonic Boat Club (Stratford, CT), and his teenage years running their tender. David’s love for racing had him sailing in Long Island Sound, Newport, and Key West. He was also fortunate to also sail in international waters including Bermuda, Sardinia, Bahamas, and the Canary Islands.

Lovingly known as “Super Dave” on the race course, he was a free spirit who will be remembered for his laugh, humor, story-telling, philosophical outlook on life, intellect and his obscure memory for facts and “useless knowledge.” He is known for his love of friendship and his family, however, his greatest accomplishment was his daughter, Leila Rose.

David is survived by his wife, Cara (Hann) Pavelko and their daughter Leila. He also leaves behind his sister Amy Pavelko Donegan and her husband Jim, a life long friend, and beloved nephews, Tucker and Colin Donegan. He will be missed by his uncles, Steven Pavelko (Barbara), Edward Pavelko (Barbara), and Leland Henchman (Priscilla) as well as his many cousins and all of the lives that he touched throughout his life in Milford and Waterford. David was predeceased by his aunt Sandra Henchman Cole and cousin John Cole.

A memorial service will be held at The First United Church of Christ Congregational, 34 West Main St., Milford, CT. Interment will be private. Friends and family may call from 10:00-11:00 am on July 10, 2024 at the The First United Church of Christ Congregational. The memorial service will directly follow at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, a trust has been created and contributions can be made to “The Leila Rose Pavelko 2024 Trust.” If you are interested in making a contribution, please contact [email protected] for further details.

Source: https://www.codywhitefuneralservice.com/tributes/David-Pavelko