Obituary of John Michael Pavlina

Elmira: Age 79, passed away on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at Robert Packer Hospital, after a long brave fight with leukemia. John was born in Elmira on October 25, 1934, the son of the late Michael J. and Pauline (Repko) Pavlina. He is also predeceased by his brother-in-law Robert Barnstead. John is survived by his wife Margaret Soule Pavlina; children and their spouses, Dawn and Kevin Murphy of Camden ME with their children, Erin and Connor; Connie and Randy Garber of Ocala FL with their daughter Tereasa (Tyler) Connelly; John and Fawn Pavlina of Hornell NY with their sons Ryan and Ian (Christine); Thomas and Denise Brewer of Elmira, with their children, Matthew and Tayler; Cary and Ed Zaldokas of Trumansburg NY; Andy and Jamie Pavlina of Elmira with their children, Brandon and Alexis; Chris Pavlina of Elmira with children Chris and Samantha; 5 great-grandchildren; sister Rose Marie Barnstead of Big Flats; brother and sister-in-law Michael and Patricia Pavlina of Tuscon AZ; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Nancy and Dr. Carl Dillman of Louisville KY; several nieces and nephews; canine companion Bitsie his Jack Russell terrier. John began his working career at Sears & Roebuck in Elmira NY. While working at Sears he also began working with Erway Ambulance. He then moved on to the Chemung County Sheriff's Department - Civil Division. After retiring from the Sheriff's Department in 1997 he enjoyed working part-time at St. Joseph's Hospital. He was an award winning nature photographer. John volunteered for many years at the Clemens Center. He was an oblate at Mount Saviour Monastery for many years. Private services will be held. Those wishing may remember John with a donation to Mount Saviour Monastery, 231 Monastery Road, Pine City NY 14871.