Lt. Col. George L. Pavelko Jr., 63, died March 15, 2024, at home. He was the husband of Suzanne (Fritts) Pavelko for 40 years.

Born in Coplay, he was the son of the late George L. Sr. and Teresa (Seier) Pavelko.

He graduated from Whitehall High School in 1978 and Penn State University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental resource management. In 1996, he achieved his Master of Science in aeronautical operations from Embry-Riddle University.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served 28 years active duty in several capacities. His professional experience included stations at Plattsburgh, Castle and Andrews bases and the USAF headquarters at the Pentagon. He served as a navigator/evaluator instructor, combat crew training squadron instructor, combat flight instructor, C-137 training chief, operations group executive officer, operational flight training program manager, assistant chief USAF training branch, special missions navigator chief, chief presidential navigator on Air Force One and presidential mission director/evaluator navigator.

During his service, he was the recipient of more than 40 different service medals, awards and ribbons.

He was a volunteer at St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, Coplay, contributing to the monthly pierogi efforts.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Brittany Lloyd with Matt of Harwood, Md.; a son, George Kyle of Hobe Sound, Fla.; two grandsons, Hudson Lloyd and Baylor Lloyd; a brother, Perry Schaffer; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by four brothers, Randy, James, Robert and Daniel.

There will be a calling time 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian burial 10 a.m., April 27 at the church, 4 S. Fifth St., Coplay.

Contributions may be made to American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org or mailed to P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Arrangements were made by Gilbert Funeral Home, Whitehall.