Westborough – Daniel Stephen Pavolis, 93, of Westborough, MA, passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side on Sunday, January 28, 2024. He was the beloved husband of 39 years to Joan B. (Jakstis) Pavolis.
Born in Worcester, MA, he was the son of the late Stephen and Marcella Pavolis and was a graduate of Worcester Public Schools and WPI.
Dan was intrigued with the field of electricity at a very young age. When he was 13, he became fascinated by a fluorescent tube display in a local electrical shop window. This did not go unnoticed by the store proprietor who gave Dan his first job in the field, which ultimately drove him to his passion and career choice. He earned his Master Electrician License at the unheard-of early age of 21.
After he received his license, he worked as Master Electrician of a small shop on Grafton Street in Worcester. He was given the opportunity to advance his career at Draper Corporation and subsequently Norton Company. He later moved on to Simplex Time Recorder Co. (now Tyco) where he served as Manager of Facilities in Electrical Engineering until his retirement. During his time at Simplex, he oversaw the complete electrical renovation of the former Digital plant in Westminster when purchased by Simplex.
Dan was a caring, giving and upstanding member of the community who dedicated his life to the town, the church, Senior Center and wherever else he was needed. He was a man of many interests, talents and accomplishments.
He was a Eucharistic Minister and greeter at St. Lukes the Evangelist Church in Westborough and was also involved in many projects and renovations there. Dan was a member of Council 85 of the Knights of Columbus for over 36 years where he held positions such as Deputy Grand Knight and Council Photographer. He was also instrumental in completing extensive renovations and improvements to the K of C building. He and his wife were awarded the Diocese of Worcester Family of the Quarter award in 2003.
He was appointed a member of the Westborough Council on Aging in 2002, remained a member for over 20 years and served many years as Chairman. Dan was also very active at the Westborough Senior Center and essentially was their “go-to” person. He raised funds for much needed senior buses, completed window, electrical and other repairs, consulted on outside lighting, and provided advice and companionship. Dan was also a ballot box clerk for the Town of Westborough Elections.
His hobbies included photography, which he enjoyed teaching in his free time at Worcester Night Life.
He was predeceased by his beloved stepson, Timothy J. Alavosus, and his brothers John and Albert Pavolis formerly of Worcester, MA. He was also predeceased by a precious friend, Edward Boltruczyk and his wife Jane of Worcester, MA.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by Timothy’s son and widow, James and Merrilee Alavosus. He is also survived by his children, Wayne Pavolis and his wife Linda, of North Grafton, MA, and Nancy Leary and husband Dennis of Millbury, MA; his grandchildren Michael Leary and his wife Nicole of Southbridge, MA, and Cal Leary of Millbury, MA; great- grandchildren Ryan and Shawn Leary; nephews and nieces Charles Pavolis and his wife Ana, of Worcester, MA , Carroll Palmer and her husband Brad of IA, Jodie Potvin and her husband Thomas of Webster, MA and Russell Pavolis of Oakham, MA; and many grand-nieces and nephews.
Dan also leaves behind many dear friends from his many years of work, volunteering and community service.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 3, in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St. Westborough. Burial will follow in St. Luke’s Cemetery, Westborough. A collation will immediately follow in St. Luke’s Parish Center.
Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Friday, February 2, in the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St. Westborough.
Members of Council 85, Knights of Columbus will conduct a prayer service at 6:45 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Westborough Senior Center at 4 Rogers Road, Westborough, MA or to the St. Luke the Evangelist Outreach Program.
