Michael A. Pavelko 1935-2025

Mike was born June 11, 1935, in Campbell, a son of the late Michael and Catherine Garcia Pavelko.

He graduated from Campbell Memorial High School in 1953. He attended Youngstown College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Registered P.E.

While in college, Mike worked for Lombard Corporation. Upon graduation, he worked for Automatic Sprinkler Corporation and attained the position of director of engineering. In 1967, he left Automatic Sprinkler and formed his own company, Great Lakes Sprinkler. In 1969, Mike started MAP Co. Industries, where he was self-employed until his retirement in 1996.

Mike’s favorite quote was, “If you’re going to do something, do it right the first time.”

Mike was a movie buff his entire life. He was an avid reader, especially of WWII and biographies. He enjoyed cooking, playing cards, photography and going to casinos. He became a fisherman and spent many hours relaxing while fishing.

While president of the Poland Band Parents Association, Mike was instrumental in generating $10,000 for the Poland High School Band. He created an 18-month calendar by selling ads to businesses and individuals, thus enabling new uniforms to be purchased.

Mike was always involved in service organizations that provided help to those in need. He enjoyed several ministries at Holy Family Church with the “Third Source” being his favorite. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4471 and also a 4th Degree Knight. He taught his children the importance of religion, family, work and the value of money.

Mike is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Kovalchick Pavelko, his high school sweetheart, whom he married Aug. 25, 1956, at Sacred Heart Church; his children, Mitchell Pavelko of Poland, Atty. Douglas (Atty. Julie) Pavelko of Plain City and Loraine (Dr. Thomas) Perkins of Pittsburgh, Pa.; grandchildren, Jennifer (Heath) Brothers of Milford, Samantha (John) Abramo of Danville, California, Jacqueline (Don) Newell of Hilliard, Dr. Stephen (Katie) Pavelko of Plain City, Christine Pavelko of Columbus, Michael Pavelko of Columbus, Thomas Perkins of Wexford, Pa., and Grace Perkins of Pittsburgh, Pa.; great-grandchildren, Mallory, Dominic and Angela Abramo, Madison and Palmer Brothers, Mackenzie and Emma Newell, and Leighton, Lilly and Lucy Pavelko; his brother, Raymond (Marilynn) Pavelko of Poland; his sister, Marie Kadilak of Poland; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Susan (John) Kovalchick.

Family and friends may pay their respects 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2025, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, where prayers will be held at 10:30 a.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Friday at Holy Family Church.

Burial will be in Poland Riverside Cemetery in the family plot.

The family wishes to thank Laura Kelty, executive director at The Inn at Poland Way, and the entire staff who provided loving care to Mike and his family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Family Church, 2729 Center Road, Poland, OH 44514, in Mike’s memory.

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