Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Richard Pavilon Obituary
Richard F. Pavilon, son of Frank J. Pavilon and Olga (Wollis) Pavilon, brother of Michael D. Pavilon, close cousin to Geraldine Burke (La Grange, IL) was born 8/9/37, Roseland Community Hospital. Richard suffered post birth Retinopathy causing legal blindness (as admired musician Stevie Wonder), But that did not hold Richard back. A Graduate of Mendel H.S. (Chicago), St. Mary's College, (MN) and Loyola U. (Chicago) earning an M,A. in U.S. and World History (in the 70s he rode a CTA bus 16 miles to get to classes)...He went on to teach hundreds of students at St. Willibrord H.S. (Chicago) with most students awed at his teaching skills, forgetting his visual challenge. Needing change, Richard took a teaching position at St. Patrick/St.Vincent H.S., Vallejo,CA where he met and married his wife of 35 yrs, Charma Mareno. After a decade in Vallejo the couple moved to Turlock and American Canyon, CA where Richard continued teaching History. Among other solid traits of tenacity and listening skills he was a very loyal friend keeping phone conversations going for 40 years with Jim Charles (England). Richard died 11/29/23 in Duvall,WA where he and Charma started retirement. He was among wife and friends as his warm heart gave out to an ongoing illness.He was 86. There was a short,small service amongst wife and friends in Duvall,WA per his request. Richard was not famous, not wealthy and not a good musician { although he had a beautiful voice). But he was unique,honest, as independent as he could be, had the memory of a herd of elephants, and listened carefully to every word you spoke....If you respect, love or are in awe of Richard's life please donate what you can to : Leader Dogs ( for the blind)
P.O. Box 5000, Rochester, MI 48308-5000 - a Charity Navigator endorsed Charity, 4 Stars (tops)...comments: [email protected]
Sign Guest Book at legacy.suntimes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Pavilon
Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.
Vince Maher
August 10, 2024
I loved Mr Pavilon. Great sense of humor in spite of his circunstances. He loved, riders in the sky and anything about lithuania. God bless and rest easy, love the Idol of American Youth! Vince Maher! Vallejo Ca class of 1991 SAINT PATRICK SAINT VINCENT HS.
Carlton Young
July 5, 2024
I remember Mr. Pavilon. He was my history teacher at St. Willibrord High School in Chicago in 1976. He was a wonderful teacher and a wonderful man. He was well liked. I´m sorry to hear of his passing.
Mike Pavilon
January 2, 2024
My brother was/will continue to be in my heart...the ultimate quiet, gentle hero...courageous to the bone and able to communicate with almost anyone.
Donna (Madlener) Steffey
December 19, 2023
Mr Pavilon was a great teacher for world history. We had different "political" views but Mr Pavilon allowed us to "debate" him. I am still strong in my political beliefs today because we were not censored but allowed to debate. I went on to be a professional speaker, getting paid for talking. It is because of Mr. Pavilon. A great listener, a great teacher, and a great American. You will be missed and always admired!
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Nancy Menig Dyrek
December 19, 2023
What a beautifully written obituary for Mr. Pavilon., the best history teacher ever.It truly captured his spirit.
Arlene (Toerne) Biocic
December 18, 2023
I remember Mr. Pavilion. He was an awesome teacher. I remember him from 1970-1974. Glad he lived a great life after St. Willy´s. Had him for World Geography and as a substitute many times. Always enjoyed the way he taught. May he soar in Heaven with the Angels. Well done Good Servant, well done.
Lynne DeHeer
December 18, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person and teacher.
Bob Hamann
December 18, 2023
Mr. Pavilon was one of the most memorible teachers that I met at St. Willibord High Scool in Roseland. He made history interesting. He taught most of my brothers and sistors there. We talk about him somtimes in good ways. He was a good man. It apears that he lead a long and interesting life after he left Chicago.
Frank Solatka
December 17, 2023
I remember him always cheering our football team on. He was kind and everybody loved him.
Ron Dubin
December 17, 2023
On behalf of the Mendel alumni association please accept our humble condolences to the family of Richard and especially to Mike who was a classmate of mine from 1963. Richard was a member of the very first graduation class of Mendel in 1955, a class we all thank for a great start to a great school. May god bless his family during this sad time and also hope he meets up with many of his class that has passed as elite monarchs.
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Pavilon's name
Memorial Events
for Richard Pavilon
People and places connected with Richard
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Richard's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Pavilon's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
