Donald Robert Pavelko “Don”, 92, of Morgantown, passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital.
Don was born in Canyon, on February 25, 1931, the son of the late Andras (Andrew) and Suzanna (Susan) Pavelko. His parents immigrated to the United States from Czechoslovakia. He was the youngest of six children, Andrew, John, Joseph, Sue, and Lucy, all of whom preceded him in death. His childhood was spent outdoors, swimming in water towers, diving off of bridges, and swimming and jumping into Cheat Lake. He attended Morgantown High School, Class of 1951, where he excelled and lettered in football and baseball.
Upon graduation, he worked for Olin Mathieson Chemical Corp. then was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War. Before leaving for Europe, he was playing baseball with fellow recruits at a base where his Sergeant noticed his talents and abilities, pulled him aside, and said. “Son, come with me. You’re mine now.” For the next two years, he went on to play baseball for the Army throughout France, Germany, and Spain. After honorably completing his service to his country, he returned to Morgantown to care for his parents and resumed work at Olin Mathieson. He went on to spend many years painting homes and businesses throughout Morgantown, helping to make his community more beautiful with every job. Don also worked as a supervisor for the West Virginia Department of Highways and retired in 1994.
Don met his wife of 60 years, Mildred Wilt Pavelko, through a mutual friend. They were married on July 7, 1963, in Oakland, Md. Mildred and Don built a remarkable life together upon a foundation of love, happiness, and respect. Their home was always a place for friends and family to gather, as well as a meeting place for the many loyal parkers who wanted a great spot for WVU football games every fall. Don and Mildred built some of the first student housing apartments in Morgantown, based upon Don’s vision of where he knew WVU would grow in the years and decades to come. Their impact on the Morgantown community is reflective of their love for their town and its people. Their first child, Dawn Joyce Pavelko Beto was born in 1964. Dawn attended WVU for both undergraduate and law school, and served as in-house counsel for several pharmaceutical companies. She married Dr. Robert James Beto II in 1989. Dr. Beto has lovingly guided Don’s medical care throughout the years. In turn, Don was the person who sparked Dr. Beto’s interest in cardiology. Dawn and Dr. Beto have two children, Alexandria Maria Beto (“Allie”) and Robert James Beto III (“Robby”). Don and Mildred were integral in Allie and Robby’s upbringing, picking them up from school, taking them to activities, and providing support during their college years. Allie is a graduate of West Virginia University and Emory Law School, and works at K&L Gates LLP in Pittsburgh. Robby is a graduate of WVU and works in the emergency department at West Virginia University Hospital.
Their second child, David Scott Pavelko, was born in 1969. David also graduated from Morgantown High School, and attended and graduated from Princeton University. He is a travel and hospitality professional and has spent the majority of his career at Google, Inc. He married Jennifer Marchetti, a marketing executive, in 2006 and they reside in Sparta, N.J. Don adored Jen and enjoyed their long discussions about life, growing up in the depression, and the importance of family. David and Jen are the proud parents of ten-year-old twins, Justin Michael Pavelko and Gia Rose Pavelko. The twins attend Pope John Middle School. They love school and sports just like their beloved Bappy, which is the name Don’s first grandchild, Allie, bestowed upon him more than thirty years ago. Don spent the last 10 years with Justin and Gia reading to them, telling them stories, showing them the finer points of basketball and baseball, and making them laugh with his beautiful sense of humor.
Don was a fixture in the community, especially with youth sports. He spent many years driving any kid who needed a ride to and from practices and games as if they were his own children. He wanted all kids to have the opportunity to play. He coached David’s Little League team, Suncrest National Bank, and his basketball team at Central Elementary. He then made sure the basketball gyms where kids played were top notch, refinishing many gym floors through Morgantown. Most notably, he and his friends renovated Arthur H. Clyde Gymnasium and made it a true home for the Mohigans for many years. He was acknowledged for his tireless work in the community with the naming of the basketball court (Donald Pavelko Court) at Trinity Christian School.
Don enjoyed spending time with his friends in Morgantown, traveling to numerous MHS and WVU games and gathering around town at various venues to discuss and evaluate the playing and coaching over coffee and pie, most frequently at Jambies, Bob Evans, and Eat’n Park. He loved traveling with his family to the Big East Tournament, NCAA tournament games, Bowl Games, Super Bowls, Hilton Head, California, New York City, The Greenbrier, Princeton, and numerous other memorable events and locations. He especially enjoyed visiting the current Czech Republic, where he felt like a kid again in the land where his parents were born and lived before immigrating to the United States. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family at his home and at the homes of his children and grandchildren.
Don appreciated the work and commitment of all the doctors and nurses who cared for him over the years. Their dedication and care allowed him to continue spending meaningful time with his family. He always joked with them and approached his health with optimism. Don’s good looks and sweet nature made him a particular favorite of the nurses, who often remarked that he added happiness to their days. Don’s medical care was led by his son-in-law, Dr. Beto, who treated him like his own father and did so with love, optimism, and humor. Don thought of Dr. Beto as a son of his own.
Don loved every moment of his life. His happiness, optimism and sense of wonder will continue to serve as an example and inspiration to his family members and friends who love him.
Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, WV 26505, from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25. Visitation will continue at Greater Love Family Outreach Ministries, 275 Canyon Rd, Morgantown, WV 26508, from 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m., with Pastor Junius Lewis officiating. Interment will follow at Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens, 1290 Fairmont Rd, Morgantown, WV 26501. The family will host a celebration gathering immediately following the interment. Details will be provided at the services.
Hastings Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
