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BORN
1958
DIED
2023
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Joseph Pavnica Obituary
Born: April 9, 1958
Died: May 7, 2023
Joseph Allen Pavnica, 66, of Woodbridge Virginia, beloved son, brother, and uncle passed away unexpectedly at home.
Joseph was preceded in death by his father Joseph Pavnica. He is survived by his mother, Barbara, his brother Thomas and Robert (Louisa), and sister-in-law Amy. He is also survived by his much loved and cherished nieces and nephew Anna, Emma, Gracie, and Michael.
Joe grew up in Joliet, Illinois, and graduated from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in 1976. He then attended Southern Illinois University followed by the Art Institute of Chicago to follow his calling in the field of graphic arts. Having developed deft skills as a graphic artist he quickly moved to a principle graphic arts position in a downtown Chicago printing studio where he flourished and grew his skills. Looking for more, Joe secured a position with the Central Intelligence Agency where he provided direct support to senior leadership. Joe used his exceptional graphic skills to improve the CIA's intelligence production for executive level policy makers, military leadership, and members of Congress. Joe also was critical in helping the Agency migrate to more technically sophisticated briefing mechanisms.
While achieving numerous and long-lasting successes in the office, perhaps Joe's most important success will be the true love and caring that he passed along to Anna, Emma, Gracie, and Michael.
Joe will be remembered for his generosity, intelligence, thoughtfulness, and kindness. Joe was a bright light and leaves a lasting impact on the lives of his family and friends.
A celebration of Joseph's life will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at the SS Cyril and Methodius Cemetery Chapel, 2001 Maple Road, Joliet, IL 60432. Loved ones and friends are welcome to gather from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow. Obituary and tribute wall for Joseph Pavnica are available at www.tezakfuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to:
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Pavnica
Sponsored by Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life - Joliet.
2 Entries
Joel Trueblood
March 20, 2025
I attended SIU-Carbondale the same time as Joe and we studied architecture together. We became good friends for that time in our lives but as we both spread our wings and moved to chase our careers, we lost touch with each other. I have thought of Joe many times over the years, the laughs we had together and our struggles to get better at our craft. Having lost touch with each other in the mid 1980´s, there was no internet to track each other down. I´m saddened to learn of his passing before we could reconnect. The Joe that I knew in college was a kind, funny, generous guy. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Richard Cox
July 12, 2024
Sorry for being late. I have knowned Joe for many years, we worked together. He talked about his many trips to Nevada and his plans to retire. I miss him. And those at CIA also.
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Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life - Joliet1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet, IL 60435
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