Roger J. Pawlyk
October 24, 1946 ~ May 1, 2020
Roger J. Pawlyk of Danvers, entered into rest on May 1, 2020 at the age of 73.
Born in Salem, MA to the late Thomas Pawlyk and Julia (Swensiski) Pawlyk, he grew up in Collins Cove and graduated from Salem High School, class of 1964. He later graduated from Northeastern University with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration.
He enlisted in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era and was honorably discharged in 1971. Roger worked for the Federal Government’s Department of Defense until his retirement in 1998 as the Government Branch Chief of Contracts. He later enjoyed post retirement positions at the Lynn Postal Credit Union and Marblehead’s National Grand Bank.
Raising his boys in Salem with former spouse Karen, Roger enjoyed every moment with his sons Jay and Christopher as well as their friends Dave and Chuck Angeramo and John McCormick. Roger was happiest playing catch with his kids for hours after work, hosting interminable neighborhood Monopoly games, two memorable trips to the Baseball Hall of Fame, playing makeshift mini-golf in the front yard, and wild games of neighborhood hoops. He was a fixture at his own sons’ Little League games and those of the neighborhood boys, and when his sons took up the game of golf, he was at every match cheering them on. Becoming a grandfather was an even greater source of pride for Roger. His friends endured viewing countless pictures and videos of his grandchildren, and he always seemed to entice them to attend his grandchildren’s plays (he always needed 5-6 tickets!). Dzi-Dzu (“grampy” in Polish) never missed a pre-school graduation, recital, concert, play, and any chance to share a meal, a catch, or a ballgame at McCoy Stadium with his grandchildren. Nothing brought him greater joy than seeing his grandchildren happy. He loved the anarchy of family gatherings, the singing, the “good coffee,” and having a willing audience for his really bad jokes.
Later in his life, he was surrounded by so much love from his friends, especially his best pal Peter Carlin, his morning coffee group at the mall, his breakfast buddies, Thursday night trivia, and his beloved Parkinson’s support group. Wherever he went, he became everyone’s friend.
Roger’s much-loved family included his son Jay L. Pawlyk, daughter-in-law Laura and grandchildren Julia and Daniel of Peabody, his son Christopher J. Pawlyk and his grandson Brody of Rhode Island. He was the beloved brother of Gloria Pawlyk of Beverly, MA and Thomas Pawlyk and his wife Barbara of Wenham, MA as well as the loving uncle of Randall Pawlyk and Matthew Pawlyk.
Visiting hours are Monday, August 3, 2020 from 4-7PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. All other services are private. Attendees at the visitation or service are required to wear face coverings, practice social distancing, and are respectfully asked for no physical contact with the family. Since Roger was the consummate sports fan, an expression of sympathy may be made in Roger’s name to the Jimmy Fund C/O Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168. For directions or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.LyonsFuneral.com.
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You will be sincerely missed Big Rog. You were and amazing father and an inspiration to your sons. I will never forget the times spent at your house in the backyard and feeling like a part of the family. The intellect and cynicism that came from you was unmatched, I can still hear the neighbor’s screams of RIA !!! to his dog and your hilarious response to him.
Rest in power big guy, you will always be loved and missed by all !!
A great guy with a wonderful personality and always a smile. He will be missed by all.
Donna Harris
A true testament of a man is how he has raised his children. Roger has done that well, and the world is less bright without him. My sincere condolences.
“Wherever he went, he became everyone’s friend”.
I cannot overemphasize the true meaning of this statement about my friend Roger. We worked together at DOD for several years. Roger was kind, generous, a conscientious hard working “results oriented” colleague and a good friend. I am so fortunate to have known Roger and for him being an important part of my life. Diane and I have many fond memories of our times together. I enjoyed playing table top hockey with Roger even though I always lost. My deepest condolences to Roger’s family and friends. Rest in peace my friend.
Ed Giangrande
Sleep easy Roger. Your trials are over. We had two beautiful boys together and were always united in loving them and sharing their lives. I will make sure your grandchildren always remember their DzieDziu.
Tony Coit. I worked with Roger at GE Lynn and he just made life and work more enjoyable. He will be missed.
The news of Roger’s passing has deeply saddened me. I always looked forward to seeing him at the many family gatherings where we would discuss everything from our government contract work (from contractor and government viewpoints) to life in general from our aging perspective. Over the years I knew him to be a gregarious, engaging and entertaining man who loved his family. My sincere condolences to the family.
I first met Roger at the Parkinsons Support Group. He was instantly the life of the party, was always ready with a joke or a “story”, and made newcomers feel like they were old friends. He was also one of the best bowlers at the PD Support Groups’ weekly outings, even though he was too humble to admit it. Our sympathy goes out to Roger’s family at this time of grief. He will be sorely missed.
Gary Bert
I was so sorry to hear about cousin Roger’s passing. I have so many happy childhood memories of the Pawlyk family. Rest in peace.
Rest In Peace
Roger I hope that they have musicals in heaven. I consider myself blessed for having you in my life . You were quick with your wit and always smiling I will miss you greatly
Dziadziu and his beloved grandchildren.
Dziadziu doing what he did best💙
Anne M. purchased a sympathy card for the family of Roger J. Pawlyk.
Rest In Peace my friend. I will always remember the early years and all the fun times we had at Bear Hill Golf Club. Linda and I always enjoyed seeing you and sharing a few laughs at family events.
Pete Venza
Roger was an amazingly positive person. He would always ask how we were doing and cared about family and friends. We will always remember our Thanksgiving sing alongs with Roger at Jay and Laura’s house. We miss you, Roger, and will always hold you in our hearts. Thank you for being a bright light in our lives.
Love,
The Cornell family
To the Pawlyk family,
Dennis and I are deeply saddened by Roger’s passing. He was happiest in his roles as a Dad and grandfather. For us, we knew Roger as a consummate friend to many-as a SHS classmate in the ROMEO group (Retired Old Men Eating Out), as a Mall Rat who would speak on anything and everything from A to Z, as a field agent getting tickets to a family member’s play or placing bets at local horse tracks, as a faithful participant along with his friends in his Parkinson’s support group, and the best for last, as a jokester while golfing at the Wenham Country Club. Roger is missed and will always have a special place in our hearts. Rest in peace dear friend.
So sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. Back in the day (50 years ago) we played real
street hockey on the snow covered street in front of Tom’s house
under the street lights after work. He was a great kid, and I am sure he will
be deeply missed by his family. Once again I am sorry to hear of his passing and
my deepest sympathy to the Pawlyk family.
Bob Bremberg
Dear Jay, Laura, Chris and family: My deepest sympathy on the passing of your dad. We met at Lahey when he was a volunteer and I was working in registration. I was a captive ( dare I say trapped?) audience of Roger’s never-ending jokes and thoroughly enjoyed every one of them ! We shared many, many laughs and silly jokes. Your dad was truly one-of-a-kind and I consider myself fortunate to have had him as a friend. He introduced me to his Thursday night trivia gang where we would laugh and sing until tears rolled down my cheeks. His sense of humor was outmatched only by his love for his children and grandchildren. I will truly miss him. May God comfort all of you and give you peace. Cheryl Carey
When you had the luxury of growing up in a neighborhood like we did, one full of kids, one was bound to spend time in various homes throughout your childhood. Sometimes you liked going over one house for the snacks. Sometimes you might want to avoid certain houses if the mother or father was having an off day, for lack of a better phrase. The Pawlyk house was forever a favorite destination. It was a guaranteed day of fun and laughter, due in no small part to Roger and his dry wit. He was also the consummate sports fan quick with a stat or a tale of his favorite players or memories from games. But undoubtedly his best role was that of being an omnipresent “Dad”. He had a well-earned pride in his boys Jay and Chris upon whom he has bestowed his finer qualities and perhaps bowling talent. I will miss Rog and will forever cherish the memories of spending time in the Pawlyk living room or on the course at Muni or his presence at every little league game I can remember. His is a standard I hope to honor in my current days as a father. My best to the Pawlyk family. He will be sorely missed. -Scott Olson
Rest in peace to a really great guy. You will be missed by all your friends at Wenham CC and Sunnyside.
The Wenham CC Thursday Bowling League
I had the pleasure of knowing Roger for many years as my parents (Katy and Peter Carlin) became fast and terrific friends with Karen and Roger when I was just a kid. Roger’s sense of humor and sharp wit stood out to me even then. I had a few mother’s helper/babysitting jobs helping Karen and young Chris way back when. Roger had the daunting task of waking me up one morning for my paper route when my dad insisted on picking me up before dawn. Roger never ever let me live down the brutal time he had trying (and failing) to accomplish this. We laughed about it together for years. I often think about this as I shoo my children away when they approach me before my morning coffee.
Roger helped me land my first real job at Raytheon which I held for several summers during my early college years. I made great friends with the other college temps and have fond fun memories of my time there. I have always been grateful that Roger took the time and made the effort though most who know him will not find this a surprise.
Most poignantly Roger was a source of loyal and compassionate friendship to my dad for so so many years unwilling to let physical distance and life events interrupt their bond. Even when the pandemic hit and they could not see one another they kept up their steady phone correspondence. I know my dad feels this loss deeply.
As I write this I hear Roger’s voice, his laughter and remember vividly his affection for family and friends. He will be missed and remembered by the entire Carlin family.
I will surely hold a special place in my heart for Roger.
My love and condolences to Chris, Jay, Karen and the rest of the family.
Roger was my best bud from St John the Baptist Polish elementary school. So sorry. Jay I’m glad you enjoyed your youth at my house on Freeman Rd. and remembered us. Beth wanted so much to see you and your family. V
I am so sory to learn of Roger’s passing. I just learned of this yesterday and found it hard to believe. Roger was the best guy. Many, many years ago he along with Brad Koen spent most of their time at my home. We had great times. My sincere condolences to his family.