ASHTABULA — Louis F. Pavolino, age 88, of Ashtabula, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012, at his home with his loving wife at his side.
A 1941 graduate of Ashtabula High School, he enthusiastically worked on and attended many class reunions.
A Veteran of the United States Army, he served in the 633rd Quartermaster Laundry Division arriving in England in January of 1943. He traveled through France, Holland where he was wounded and received a Purple Heart, Belgium, and was at the VW plant in Wolfsburg, Germany, when the war ended. He arrived back in the United States in January of 1946. Lou was awarded a European Theater of Operations Certificate of Merit Citation in recognition of conspicuously meritorious and outstanding performance of military duty.
On May 17, 1947, he married Paulyne M. Zappa and they were united for 51 years, until her passing in July of 1998. Together, they had a beautiful daughter, Jaime Lou. After 36 years of service, he retired from Reliance Electric as foreman in November of 1982.
Lou married his soul mate, Jean Matthews-McCollum, on Sept. 9, 2006, at Revival Center Church and 2 years later had their marriage blessed at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, where he was a devoted parishioner.
As an avid golfer, he achieved the status of club champion 8 times at the former Ashtabula Country Club where he was a member. Prior to his first open heart surgery in 1969, he refereed both high school basketball and football over the span of 22 years. A loving, compassionate husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he cherished his family, enjoying every moment together.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Paulyne; daughter, Jaime Lou Donatone; brother, Cosmos Pavolino; brother-in-law, Frank Bernato; sisters-in-law, Bridgett and Irene Pavolino; and nephews, Dennis Pavolino and Robert Lampela.
Surviving him are his wife, Jean; stepsons, Matthew McCollum of Palm Bay, Fla., and Corey (Kathy) McCollum of Winchester, Calif.; sister, Mary Bernato; brother, Vincent Pavolino; sister-in-law, JoAnne Pavolino; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.
The family is very grateful for the wonderful care and support provided by the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and Hospice of the Western Reserve over the past several months. In addition, the family is especially thankful for the outpouring of affection and support from loved ones and friends.
Calling Hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18th, at GUERRIERO FUNERAL HOME, 1550 W. 19th St., Ashtabula.
Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 19th, at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Worship Site, 1200 E. 21st St., with Father Philip Rogers officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation or Hospice of the Western Reserve.
Obituary and condolences at starbeacon.com.
