Matthew S. Pavitt

Matthew S. Pavitt, age 87, of Shenandoah passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.

Born in Philadelphia, PA on August 28, 1932, Matt was a lifelong resident of Shenandoah. He was the son of the late Anna Bushefsky and Matthew W. Pavitt and the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Matt was a graduate of the former J.W. Cooper High School, Class of 1950.  Prior to his retirement, Matt worked for 45 years as a printer at the former Shenandoah Evening Herald. He was also the shop’s union delegate to the Pottsville Typographical Union 301 where he served as Vice President and President for 10 years.

He was owner of the former Pavitt Tax Service and Pavitt Advertising Specialty Co. for many years.

Matt was a U.S. Army veteran having served in the Administrative Division, Main Headquarters. XVIII Airborne Corps, Ft. Bragg NC where he attained the rank of SP-4 and received his honorable discharge in 1962.

Matt was a member of Divine Mercy Parish and a lifelong member of the former St. George Church where he was active in church and community events: Archdiocese of Philadelphia Young Adult CYO Vice President and President and North Schuylkill CYO President.

He was a former member of the Polish American Fire Co., Shenandoah Moose and Elks Lodges, former Officer and Coach of Shenandoah Little League, Publicity Director for the Shenandoah Area Youth Organization (SAYO) and President of the former Shenandoah Bowling Association.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth, who passed away June 15, 2018; a sister, Helen and a brother, Joseph.

Survivors include a daughter, Debbie, wife of Michael Briscoe, St. Peters, MO; a granddaughter, Erin Gerhart, wife of Michael Gerhart of Ballwin, MO; a son, Mark of Hamburg, PA; nieces, nephews and their families and many neighbors and friends.

Matt was a very kind and loving man who would do anything he could for others. He was a wonderful husband, father and pop pop to his family. He’s greatest joy was knowing he was going to be a great grand pop pop this spring to Michael Matthew (Mac) Gerhart. He will always be within our thoughts and hearts.

No public service will be held. Private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions can be made to Divine Mercy Parish Memorial Fund or to Father Walter J. Ciszek Chapel.

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