Pete George Pavlakis

Pete Pavlakis’ life began in Longmont, Colorado on August 11,1926 to Greek immigrant parents George and Katina. He lived in the coal mining town of Erie, Colorado with his parents and siblings Emanuel and Mary in a small home where he learned to love tools and building. Here, from a young age, he added rooms to the home as needed by his family and lived a humble life.

Later, he graduated from Erie High School and attended CU Bolder for a year before he was drafted into the army in 1944 to fight for our country in World War II. He completed boot camp at Fort Walters and served in the Pacific Theater for nearly 2 years. He was a decorated veteran, awarded the Asiatic Pacific Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal, the Army of Occupation Service Medal, Victory Medal, and a Purple Heart, proving his patriotism. He was honorably discharged November 26, 1946 from the Army and returned to CU to complete a degree in electrical engineering.

Soon after, in 1953, he met the love of his life, Dolores, on a blind date and the two were soon married on June 12, 1954. They quickly started their family, bringing daughters Barbara, Kathy, and Joan into the world.

He was a loving husband and father and provided a good life for them working as a general contractor for most of his life. Here, he made lasting friends whom he remained close to his entire life.

He enjoyed cars, model trains, building projects, as well as bowling, and golfing. He was also an active member of the Greek community. He was a member of the Pan Cretan Association of Denver for 70 years and a long-time member of AHEPA.

Pete is preceded in death by his parents George and Katina, wife Dolores, brother Emanuel, and son-in-law Michael Zavislan.

He is survived by his daughters Barbara (Robert) Jones, Kathy Zavislan, Joan (James) Pettet, grandchildren Jacqueline, Katherine, and James Pettet, sister Mary Cooksey, sister-in-law Barbara Wisner and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to www.stcatherinechurch.org for the Iconography & Appointments project “On Earth as it is in Heaven,” comment section: In Memory of Pete Pavlakis.

Funeral Service, Saturday, January 19, 2019 at St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church 5555 S. Yosemite St. Greenwood Village. Interment at Fairmount Cemetery.

Funeral Service: January 19, 2019 11:00 am

St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church
5555 South Yosemite Street
Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Graveside Service: January 19, 2019 2:30 pm

Fairmount Cemetery
430 S Quebec Street
Denver, CO 80247