Obituary of Richard John Pawlak

Richard John Pawlak, age 76, of Manasquan, NJ, passed away Friday, December 8, 2023, surrounded by his love ones, at Jersey Shore University Hospital located in Neptune, NJ. Born January 14, 1947, in Brooklyn, NY, Rich was the son to the late John and Dorothy (nee Levenson) Pawlak.

Rich was a 1964 graduate of George Westinghouse Vocational/Technical High School.  He served our nation in the US Army as a Specialist and Team Captain from 1966 to 1968.  Rich worked as an engineer/technician for Burroughs Payment Systems.  In 1969, Rich married his first wife, Nancy Miller.  Together they raised their three beautiful children, Matthew, Brian, and Anastasia.  After forty-four years of marriage, Nancy passed away in 2013.  In 2016, Rich married his second wife, JoEllen Ashby.  They enjoyed the last nine years together, gaining six new stepchildren, Michael, K.C., Sarah, Jennifer, Mason, and Hudson.

Rich was an avid photographer.  He enjoyed spending his free time building model trains and airplanes.  He stayed active, playing racquetball, golf, and scuba diving/training. Rich was awarded the "Nicest Guy in America" designated by all who knew him. Rich was loved by so many and loved spending time with his many friends and his large family, especially his grandson, Alexander, who gave him great joy.

Rich will be forever missed by his wife, JoEllen Ashby; his sons, Matthew Pawlak and his wife Dana (LaPlaca) PAWLAK, and Brian Pawlak; his daughter, Anastasia Pawlak Wendel and her husband Christopher; his grandson, Alexander Wendel; his stepchildren, Michael Orfe, K.C. Orfe, Sarah Orfe, Jennifer Christiana, Mason Orfe, and Hudson Orfe; and his sister, Joan Pawlak Saier, As well as her children, Lara and Dana.

Rich is predeceased by his first wife, Nancy Pawlak; and his parents, Dorothy and John Pawlak.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rich's name can be made to The Gary Sinise Foundation at GarySiniseFoundation.org.

A graveside service will be held privately at the Riverside Cemetery located on Center St., Clinton, NJ 08809. A celebration of Rich's life will be held on his birthday, January 14, 2023, details to follow. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Martin Funeral Home, 1761 Rt. 31, Clinton, NJ 08809. To share memories with Rich’s family please visit, www.martinfh.com.