Robert Pavlin

Robert Pavlin, age 95, of Wilmington, DE died peacefully on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at his home in the Assisted Living wing of Forwood Manor.

Bob was born in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Stanley and Lillian (Vlasek) Pavlin. Bob married Margaret Kazmarek in 1947. Their 68-year marriage was truly an example of the whole being greater than its parts. Marge passed in November, 2015. Bob is survived by sons Michael and Mark, and daughter Teresa, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Bob attended Case Western Reserve, Cornell and Notre Dame, graduating from Notre Dame with a BS in Chemical Engineering in 1947. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, receiving an honorable discharge in 1950 with the rank of 2nd Lt.

He joined DuPont in 1947 as a chemical engineer. He moved into Sales and climbed the corporate ladder, navigating transfers to Wilmington, DE; River Edge, NJ; back to Wilmington; then to Chicago, IL; and finally, back to Wilmington. Throughout his 40-year career at DuPont, he was loved and respected by his direct reports.

Friends and family have described Bob as kind, dear, always ready to assist, a wonderful friend, a great man, and a gentle soul. Bob was a man of deep faith. At St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in River Edge, NJ, he was a member of the Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus. At St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Wilmington, DE, he gave his time as a lector-reader, counted weekly donations, and served on the building, capital campaign and finance committees.

Bob’s hobbies were varied. When his sons were preteens, Bob coached Little League baseball. His home-grown tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce, and hot peppers were coveted throughout Foulk Woods, where he lived for over fifty years. During annual family reunions in Cleveland, he would haul out his accordion and play polkas. Vacations in the Adirondacks and Thousand Islands afforded him opportunities to fish. He was a member of the DuPont Country Club and volunteered at the McDonald’s LPGA held there. He was Mr. Handyman around the house, indulging in his love of carpentry. He treasured Sunday pinochle matches with his wife and daughter. He was on many a bowling league over the years. Bob’s passion for ND football was legendary.

The family would like to thank the staff of Forwood Manor for their around-the-clock care in Bob’s last year.