John R. Pavia

John Richard “Jack” Pavia Jr. of Trumansburg passed away at Cayuga Medical Center on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at the age of 85.

Jack was born in Newark, New Jersey on April 20, 1932, a son of the late John and Mildred (Owen) Pavia Sr. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania then attended Clark University in Massachusetts where he received his Masters Degree and started his pre-doctoral work. In 1956, he joined the United States Army where he served until 1960 when he was honorably discharged. While in the Army, Jack attended Army language in Monterey, California. Jack’s teaching career began at Adirondack Community College in Hudson Falls. He taught for the University of Maryland while stationed in Hokkaido, Japan. In 1970, Jack accepted a teaching position at Ithaca College where taught until 2005 when he retired as Professor of History Emeritus.

Jack had a passion for sailing and was a member for years at the Ithaca Yacht Club. He was a woodworker and wood carver, enjoyed making jewelry and ornaments for the Trumansburg Craft sale, was an avid reader taking special interest in World War II and the Japanese Internment. For years, he begrudgingly would help his wife fix her Kindergarten class’ beloved “letter people.”

Jack is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ann Pavia; son, John Pavia III; and brother, William (Lisa) Pavia.

In keeping with Jack’s wishes there will be no services.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those that would like to make a contribution in Jack’s memory to kindly consider Ithaca College, c/o Department of History, 424 Muller Center, 953 Dandy Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.