Obituary of Paul Pawlak

Paul Pawlak, Sr., age 96, beloved husband of Mildred Spak Pawlak, died February 23, 2014 at the Highlands Health Care Center, Cheshire. Born in Shelton on July 28, 1917, he was the son of the late Wasil and Anna Sklarska Pawlak. Mr. Pawlak resided in Seymour for many years and graduated from Seymour High School. He worked as an electrician for the Farrel Co. for over 40 years until the time of his retirement in 1986. He tirelessly served the Seymour Community in the capacity of 1st Selectman for a four year term, 2nd Selectman for an eight year term, Chairman of the Board of Education for a 12 year term, and in the State of CT, House of Representatives for a 12 year term. He was a lifelong Democrat and member of the Seymour Democratic Town Committee. Mr. Pawlak helped to form the Valley Council of Governments and served as its first Chairman; he was the first Chairman of the Lower Naugatuck Valley Public Health Department and a member of the Board of Directors of the Public Health Nursing and Homemaker's Services. While serving in the CT Legislature, Mr. Pawlak was the Chairman of the Water Resources Committee, he was an outspoken advocate for Connecticut's environment and its waterways. He helped to fashion the State's Clean Waters Act that mandated an end to industrial and residential pollution. Proud of his heritage, Mr. Pawlak was also a lifelong Communicant and Member of Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church of Ansonia. In addition to his beloved wife of nearly 75 years, he is survived by his devoted children, Paul Pawlak, Jr. and his wife Connie of MA, Joseph Pawlak and his wife, Patricia of Watertown, David M. Pawlak of IA and Richard G. Pawlak and his wife Yvonne of MA; a brother, Andrew Pawlak and his wife Marilyn of SC; seven cherished grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Olga Mahoney; and brothers, Michael, Steven, Joseph and Peter Pawlak. Funeral services will take place on Friday, February 28, 2014 at 9:00 AM from the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Ave., Ansonia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 10:00 AM in Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 105 Clifton Ave., Ansonia. Springtime interment will take place in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Derby. Family and friends may call on Thursday, February 27, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, Panikhida at 6:30 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 26 Lester St., Ansonia, CT 06401. Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.