Birth date: Apr 3, 1946 Death date: Dec 31, 2025
"Rick" Richard Pavlisko, also known as Mr. Pav to his former students and Coach Pav to his former players, passed away on December 31, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on April 3, 1946, in Braddock, Pennsylvania, Rick graduated as an Read Obituary
Coach Pavlisko was my basketball coach when I was at Jay Neff Middle School (Keystone Oaks SD) in the early 1970’s. He had such a positive impact on me. I always looked forward to practice and games because of him. He was fun to be around and always encouraging. When I was in Jr HS, I wanted to be like him. Heaven just opened its doors to a great man.
Mr Pav was my daughter’s gym teacher when she was at Myrtle Elementary. When she was in second grade, she tried to cut gym class because she said Mr Pav was too loud and it scared her. Mr Pav was a teddy bear of a guy and liked all of the kids. She was probably the only kid who ever cut his class!! I was at the school for lunch the day that it happened and Mrs Kress and Mr Pav talked with me. He was very understanding given that Angela is autistic. Many years later we saw Mr Pav at Walmart and he reminded her of that day and we had a good laugh about it. May Mr Pav rest in peace and our deepest sympathies to his family.
Debbie, Sal, and Angela Sapienza
Coach Pav was one of the greatest mentors that you could ever have. He was my gym teacher in fourth grade at Manilla school I had the greatest times of my life there he thought of sports and he made it so much fun!! we connected again in high school playing KO football we scrimmage Moon in 1975. He was my defensive back coach after making a goal mine tackle it came running up to me, saying that was the best tackle I ever made but unfortunately I got hurt and he had to help me off the field… how ironically 47 years later, he was umpire KO high school fast pitch softball my daughter was playing shortstop and took a line drive of the chest, he ran over to her and said I know your Dad over there watching you take as much time as you need, and then helped her off the field, My daughter will never forget that! I was fortunate to talk to Coach Pav while he was in the hospital
It was great to reminisce with him, and I will cherish it always! My thoughts and prayers go out to all his family! Will miss you!! Gary Alward & Family
Mr. Pav was a big part of my childhood memories at Myrtle Elementary. Whether making us laugh as he explained wearing goggles during hockey in gym class or cracking a joke in the hall as we walked to our classroom… he always reminded me to enjoy gym! Find joy in running or trying something new like track and the enjoyment sports can bring. This created such a confidence in myself as a young girl and maybe the reason I love sports so much today! My mom was also a teacher with Pav at Myrtle. I often stayed after school while she finished the day. He always made sure to make everyone smile when leaving for the day. He will be missed! Prayers and thoughts for his family.
Coach Pav was my coach for my entire KO football career. He taught me the meaning of team, commitment, integrity and grit. Such fond memories, we will miss him! (Some of the best lessons occurred with him having ahold of my facemask so I didn’t miss a word of the imparted wisdom🥰) luv ya Coach!
