"Rick" Richard Pavlisko's Obituary
"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 honors student from Rankin High School. He furthered his education at Parsons College in Iowa, where he excelled in football. He continued playing sports throughout his life including playing softball for the Pittsburgh Hardhats.
Rick married the love of his life, Norma Pavlisko, in 1968, and together they embarked on a journey filled with love and devotion. During the Vietnam War era, Rick honorably served in the Army. He later built a commendable career in education, dedicating over 30 years to the Keystone Oaks School District, where he influenced countless students and athletes. While coaching and teaching, he earned a Master's degree in education at the University of Pittsburgh.
He was a devoted father to his daughter, Stephanie, and her greatest champion throughout her life. As her coach and constant source of guidance, he modeled integrity, strength, and unwavering support, leaving a lasting imprint on her character and confidence. His pride in his family extended into is role as a deeply involved and loving grandfather. He lived for the moments spent traveling near and far to cheer on his grandchildren, Cammie and Blaise, whether on the baseball diamond, soccer field, futsal court, or cross-country course. Being present for them, encouraging, celebrating, and supporting them was among his greatest joys.
His football coaching career spanned several school districts, including Keystone Oaks, South Allegheny, Bethel Park, Peters Township, and Carlynton. Rick was also a PIAA referee and umpire for various basketball leagues and slow-pitch softball leagues, showcasing his passion for athletics and sportsmanship. In recognition of his significant contributions to the football community, he was honored in 2016 with induction into the Tri-County Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame of Western Pennsylvania.
Rick leaves behind his wife, Norma Pavlisko; daughter, Stephanie (Ethan) Hull; grandchildren, Cammie and Blaise Hull; sister-in-law, Debby Pavlisko; nieces and nephews, Abby Pilsbury, Jenna Maffucci, Chris Pavlisko, Cory Pavlisko, Todd Pavlisko, Mark Ferraro and Kristin Ferraro; as well as cherished extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Carmella Pavlisko; and siblings, Jon "Pav" Pavlisko, Marie Ferraro and Frank Pavlisko.
Family and friends will be received on Monday, January 5th from 1-3 & 6-8 P.M. at the Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 6th at 10 A.M. at Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Gabriel Church., 5200 Greenridge Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15236. Burial will follow at Jefferson Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Rick's name to Stand Up to Cancer at https://standuptocancer.org/ or the Wounded Warrior Project at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Online condolences may be left at https://www.jeffersonmemorial.com
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