Sigmund Pawley Jr.

Sigmund Pawley Jr. VIRGINIA BEACH - Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Sigmund B. Pawley Jr. passed away June 14, 2011. Cmdr. Pawley was the son of the late Dr. Sigmund and Joanna Pawley of Wilmington, Del. Cmdr. Pawley is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Beverly Pawley. As a naval aviator for 23 years, Cmdr. Pawley received two commendations from the secretary of the Navy including the gold star. Cmdr. Pawley was a passionate patriot and inspiring leader to the young men he trained in Officer Candidate School and Pensacola Flight Training School. He was in Squadron VP44 and VP47 and was associated with the U.S. Naval Facility in Newfoundland and CINCLANT Fleet in Norfolk. Cmdr. Pawley loved the sea and inspired his children in appreciating outdoor activities. The yearly retreats for a week on Hatteras or Ocracoke Island with his family were some of his best memories. Cmdr. Pawley is survived by four children, Mike Pawley and wife Becky of Richmond, Karen Hodges, Mark Pawley and Pam Grane and husband Steve, all of Virginia Beach. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Bryan Pawley, Erika Pawley, Jessica Hodges, Michael Hodges, Steven Grane, Bryce Grane, Ashley Pawley and Abigail Pawley; and his two loving dogs, "Mandie" and "Coco." A Mass of Christian burial will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 18, at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Eastern Shore Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Laskin Road Chapel, today from 6 to 9 p.m. Online condolences may be made to the family at hdoliver.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Plaza Rescue Squad or the Heart Association.