Conrad N. Pawlak, 87, of Fredonia passed away Monday, March 12, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.
Conrad and Virginia Pawlak brought 16 children into this world. 16 children that have been smothered with an overabundance of their parents' love. Each one was "Our Mother and Father's 'Angels'" (with a liberal use and definition of the term "Angel"). Eight girls and eight boys! Junior Misses and Fredonia High School record holders. This love continues to be passed along to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren (39 grandchildren and 18+ great-grandchildren, and counting!), all of the extended family (daughters and sons-in-law), aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Conrad Pawlak's life was formed by his love of God, family, community and friends. Each of these categories can be used to provide insight into what Conrad "Connie" Pawlak was all about. He was a soldier, teacher, public servant and community supporter. Conrad's service to his community started as an Eagle Scout, then in the U.S. Army, serving his country during the Korean War. While a Fredonia Village Trustee, he met with then Senator Robert Kennedy to receive funding for the Fredonia Youth Council, enabling the Village of Fredonia to create the Russell Joy, Laona and Glasgow Road town parks, ball fields and "The Hub" Youth Center.
Conrad was a constant "youth advocate." He taught math to generations of Fredonia High School students in his 30+ years of teaching, giving them the same love and excitement for the Pythagorean Theorem as he had. He made geometry come to life in the minds of his students, making it practical, understandable and exciting. During those years, he was a baseball coach, student/class advisor and teacher. Connie's love for education did not stop with his teaching career. Over the years, he accumulated 13 educational, science and mathematics collegiate degrees from colleges and universities across the country. He always supported Fredonia High School sports teams with the same level of enthusiasm and passion as when the teams were populated with Pawlak family members. Connie was the ultimate Fredonia High School, Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Buffalo Bills booster.
Conrad was a cherished parishioner of St. Hyacinth's Church, St. Joseph's and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parishes, and the parish choirs. Music was always an important component of the Pawlak family. He was a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Knights of Columbus. As a child, Connie attended St. Hyacinth's grade school, St. Mary's High School and St. Bonaventure College. This Catholic school background was a key influencer in his life. It was also the place where he first met Virginia Mary Miller, his wife. This high school romance blossomed into a love of epic proportions, deeply rooted in their faith and love of God!
Conrad was an active member of the Silver Creek Senior Center, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish, and resident of the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
He is survived by his 16 children, Karen (Kent) McLemore of North Charleston, SC, Kathy Cruz of Dunkirk, Michael (Ann) Pawlak of Middleton, WI, Mary (Will) Till of Fredonia, Peggy (David) McCall of Boerne, TX, Lynn (Cary) Davis of Pittsburgh, PA, Mark (Sharon) Pawlak of Centerville, TN, Ellen Pawlak of Kissimmee, FL, Lisa (Raymer) McQuiston of Bonita Springs, FL, Kevin (Heidi) Pawlak of Mackinaw, IL, Anne Garrett of San Antonio, TX, Robert (Julie) Pawlak of Jamestown, Doug (Shannon) Pawlak of Clayton, NC, Dan Pawlak of Fredonia, John Pawlak of Fredonia and Tom (Melanie) Pawlak of Cary, NC; 39 grandchildren; 18+ great-grandchildren; and beloved companion, Mary Ann Seibert of Silver Creek. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 59 years, Virginia Mary (Miller) Pawlak; and his parents, Alphonso R. and Shirley (Michalski) Pawlak.
Family thanks go out to the doctors and nurses at Brooks Memorial Hospital and dialysis center, Mercy Hospital, Sisters Hospital, and special thanks to all of the doctors, nurses and fantastic care givers at Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Friends may call at the Hole-Parker Funeral Chapel, 160 Central Ave., Silver Creek on Tuesday, March 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. A Mass of a Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, March 14 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 165 Central Ave., Silver Creek (please assemble at the church). Private interment to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Dunkirk.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, 165 Central Ave., Silver Creek, NY 14136.
To share a condolence or remembrance in Conrad's memory, go to www.holeparkerfc.com.
By the Observer
