Published in the February 19, 2016 edition
MELROSE — Alfred J. Pawlak, of Melrose, died at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers on Feb. 11 at the age of 86.
Al was born and raised in Chelsea and was a graduate of Chelsea High School. He served his country as a Medic in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After returning from Korea, he resided in Chelsea until 1955 and lived the past 60 years in Melrose. Al worked as a manager for W. T. Grant Company in Medford for over 27 years and was also the owner of Pawlak and Sons, Inc. in Melrose. He was a member of the Polish American Veterans Club in Chelsea and was in several bowling leagues for many years. Al enjoyed going on cruises with his wife and going to the beaches of Cape Cod. He was and avid Boston Celtics fan and loved to take his children to many games. Al’s family was the most important part of his life and he would never miss an event for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was the beloved husband of 62 years to the late Alice C. (Tarpinian) Pawlak. He was the loving father of Kathleen A. Lynch and her husband Stephen of Swampscott; Maureen T. Pawlak, Eileen M. Preble and her husband Edward, all of Melrose; Kevin A. Pawlak and his wife Susan of North Reading; and the late Michael J. Pawlak. He was the cherished grandfather of Kristin, Erin, Meghan, Eddie, Janine, Bethany, Kevin, Andrew and Matthew. He was the great-grandfather of Bailey, Peter, Morgan, Stephen, Aishlinn, Will and Charlotte. He was the caring brother of Loretta Kwiatkowski and her husband Robert of North Reading. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose on Monday, Feb. 15. Al’s funeral from the Gately Funeral Home took place on Tuesday, Feb. 16, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary Church, Herbert Street, Melrose. Burial took place in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham MA 01701. For directions and to sign an online condolence, visit www.gatelyfh.com.
