Obituary of James R. Pawliczek Sr.

The family of James Russell Pawliczek Sr. of Florida, New York, is saddened to announce his death on March 30, 2020 at the age of 80.    

Born on September 3, 1939 Florida, NY, to Albert and Gertrude Pawliczek,  Jim was a passionate athlete in youth, and an Orange County Athlete of the Year in high school.  He remained an avid lover of sports throughout his life, coaching basketball at St. Joseph's School in Florida, playing golf at the Warwick County Club, and cheering on his children and grandchildren in basketball, baseball and soccer.

At an early age, Jim was an insurance agent, realtor and home builder.  He formed and operated Glenmere Homes, a construction company, for many years, and Village Realty of Orange County, which he ran until his retirement.  He was a longstanding member of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, St. Joseph's Holy Name Society, Florida Fire Department, Florida Ambulance Corps, the Knights of Columbus and the Lion's Club. Although he was also a Member of the "Shoot a Buck" Hunting Club in early years, he was more often found sitting or napping under a tree reading a book with his gun at his side, than actually shooting anything. 

Jim served proudly for many years as a Village of Florida Trustee and member of the Planning Board.  He was honored to serve as Mayor of the Village of Florida from March 2002 until his retirement in March 2018.  During his government service he was instrumental in attaining the historic Seward - Mapes Homestead’s a landmark in the Village of Florida as well as many other accomplishments. It gave him great pleasure to give back to the community he knew and loved for a lifetime.

Jim commanded presence when he stepped into a room.  Besides being 6'3", he was smart, funny, patient, and had a calmness that reassured loved ones and strangers alike.  His smile, self-deprecating humor, kindness and generosity will be long remembered.

Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife, Beverly (Havranek) Pawliczek, and brother William Pawliczek of Philadelphia PA.  He will be greatly missed by his adoring wife, Marie Pehush-Pawliczek of Florida NY along with her eight siblings and their families; daughter, Cynthia A. Pawliczek; of Warwick; sons, James R. Pawliczek Jr; of Montgomery, NY and  Michael A. Pawliczek of Florida, NY.,  daughters-in-law Regina Pawliczek and Andrea Durgin Pawliczek; grandchildren, Brendan Myers, Arianna Pawliczek, Erin Pawliczek, Michael Pawliczek and Alec Pawliczek; brothers, Ronald Pawliczek (Cathy) of Boston Mass, and Donald Pawliczek of Westtown, NY, and sister in law Patricia Pawliczek (Philadelphia, PA); as well as many nieces and nephews; and a lifetime of good friends.

Jim was deeply loved by his family and friends.  They don't make him like him much, anymore.  He will be greatly missed.

In light of the current health crisis and for the well-being of Jim’s family and friends, services are being held privately.  You are welcome to remotely attend the services via the internet by live streaming 12noon, Friday, April 3^rd by going to Jim’s obituary located on the funeral homes website and click on the link at the bottom of his obituary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are to be made to Orange County Office for the Aging, 40 Matthews Street, Suite 305, Goshen, NY 10924 or to a charity of one’s choice.

LIVE STREAM SERVICE CLICK HERE!