Christopher (Chris) Pavlides, 96, of St. Joseph, MI, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023.
The son of Greek immigrant parents Catherine Karageorge and Anthony Pavlides – he was born at home in East Pittsburgh, PA in 1927. Chris was raised in Hammond, IN. He joined the Coast Guard in 1944 and credits his service with providing him an opportunity to attend college. He attended Michigan State University – graduating in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and receiving his Masters of Business Administration degree in 1966.
Although his first job out of college was as an engineer with the Elgin Watch Company in Elgin, IL, he proudly built his career at Whirlpool Corporation from 1957 until he retired in 1988 as the Director of Engineering Services.
An avid bridge enthusiast – great reader, pretend golfer, hot dog lover and genuinely nice guy – the world may never recover from the gaping hole his quick wit and self-deprecating humor leaves behind.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Pearson-Pavlides; his son, Daniel Eugene Pavlides; his stepson George Frederick Pearson and his sisters, Carrie Mosca (Ralph) of Phoenix, AZ and Despena Raysses (George) of Highland, IN.
Chris is survived by his daughters, Lisa Pavlides (Michael McKinley) of Austin, TX, and Marci Marrone of St. Paul, MN; grandchildren, Erin McDowell (Michael Davos) of Phoenix, AZ; Meghan McDowell (Behzad Abdollahi) of Seattle, WA; Glen McDowell of Phoenix, AZ; Isabel McDowell of Phoenix, AZ; Charles Marrone of New York, NY and a bunch of nieces and nephews who adored him.
He is also survived by stepsons, Robert Pearson (Cathy) of Grand Rapids, MI and Thomas Pearson (Debbie) of St. Joseph, MI; grandchildren, Nicole Van Harn of St. Joseph, MI; Carolyn Pearson of New York, NY; Jason Pearson of Grand Rapids, MI; Tricia Smith (Justin) of St. Joseph, MI; four great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank all of the wonderful caregivers for which we are so very grateful. And thanks too, to all who made the breakfast pilgrimage to Dino’s Restaurant & Pancake House with him in the last few years. Other than his afternoon Manhattan, it was truly one of his greatest pleasures.
In lieu of flowers, in his honor, please consider a donation to the Region IV Area Agency on Aging.
A memorial visitation will take place on Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 pm at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Feel free to share a memory with the family on their online guestbook at www.starksfamilyfh.com.
Memorial Contributions
REGION IV AREA AGENCY FOR AGING
Service Details
Visitation
When
May 13th, 2023 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Where
Starks & Menchinger Chapel
Address
2650 Niles Rd.
St. Joseph, MI 49085