Peter John Pavenski, MSgt, USAF (Fallen)
May 10, 1972 – September 18, 2017

Peter John Pavenski, 45, passed away on Monday, September 18, 2017.

Born in Lynn, Mass., he joined the U.S. Air Force shortly after graduating from high school in 1990. MSgt Peter Pavenski served faithfully in the U.S. Air Force as a C-5 crew chief and then went on to serve as an Aerial Gunner at Patrick Air Force Base in Cocoa Beach, Fla. He had his private pilot’s license and a passion for playing guitar.

A loving and devoted husband, son, and brother, Peter (or PJ as his family lovingly called him) will be sadly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife, Stacey of Palm Bay, Fla., originally from Charleroi, Pa., who is also a U.S. Air Force Veteran. The couple met while on a tour of duty at Moron, Spain, in the spring of 2002.

Peter is survived by his mother, Mary (Aleck) Shepardson of Epping, N.H.; his father, Peter S. Pavenski, and step-mother, Kathy Pavenski, both of South Hamilton, Mass. He is also survived by siblings, Michael J. Matthews and his fiance, Ariel White, both of Lynn, Mass., Kerre Picard of Port Charlotte, Fla., Robert Pavenski and fiance, Lisa Barry, both of South Hamilton, Mass., Shayne Pavenski of South Hamilton, Mass.; mother-in-law, Colleen Magruda of Charleroi, Pa., and step-father-in-law, Edward Tyburski.

He also leaves behind several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service was held in Florida on Monday, September 25, followed by a celebration of his life at the couple’s home.

There will be a second celebration of his life on Saturday, October 21, from 12 to 3 p.m. at the American Legion, 232 Calef Highway, Epping, NH 03042.

Published on October 2, 2017

On Monday, September 18th, the world lost MSgt. Peter Pavenski: a hero, husband, mentor, and friend. Pete was a member of the 301st Rescue Squadron, and a proven combat aviator who served in multiple deployments. Despite his selfless service and brave face, Pete suffered from the invisible wounds of PTSD. His passing serves as a reminder that even the strongest person is vulnerable to PTSD, and challenges all of us to look for the symptoms, and not be afraid to reach out and offer support and love to those who need it most.

Pete is survived by his wife, Stacey, as well as other family and friends who miss him deeply.

If you would like to donate to assist Stacey with expenses, please know that your contribution is greatly appreciated, no matter the amount. And, if you would like to help raise awareness of PTSD, please share this story to others.

~ GUEST BOOK ~

Spanky
September 22, 2017 at 9:51 pm
Pete, I’m going to miss a lot of things about. Your dedication as an aircrew member was second to none, your attitude in the face of difficulty, playing awesome songs with you, your heart always in the right place defending the defenseless, but most of all….that sense of humor. ALWAYS laughing and making me laugh even when I didn’t want to. I wish we had more time brother. I was blessed to know you! Rest in peace my friendUntil we meet again…

Mark Whitham, SMSgt, USAFR, retired
September 23, 2017 at 12:30 am
Pete, I knew from the moment you walked in the squadron and introduced yourself you would excel as an aviator and fit into our 301st family. Our last conversation confirmed that you did just that, and that you were now mentoring and instructing the new breed. I know that you will find peace and fulfillment in Heaven with our Lord and Savior. Knowing that in my heart brings me comfort at the news of your passing. See you in a few years.

Your loving wife
September 23, 2017 at 11:14 am
Punkin,
I miss you more than words can explain, I cannot imagine my life without you. I was the happiest woman in the world to find the love we have. Please, fill my heart with your spirit. I will honor your life always and forever, for eternity. I am looking forward till the day we meet again and I can hold you in my arms and kiss your handsome face once again.
Love you MORE!!

Mom
September 23, 2017 at 11:27 am
PJ you were an amazing son from day 1. I love you and miss you so much.. You always made me laugh your smile was infectious.. You always encouraged me especially with my learning how to play guitar..
I am filled with sorrow and this hurts so much.. I love you to the moon and back my son.. please visit me often in my dreams. Love you Mom

Auntie Phyllis
September 23, 2017 at 1:21 pm
PJ, there are no words to express how sorry I am that you are no longer with us. I’ve saved all my emails between us while you were deployed and have read them over the last few days, crying with some and laughing hysterically at others; I could actually could hear you laughing while reading them. I’ll share those with your mom one day and I promise to hold her close and help her through this difficult time. You are and always will be one of a kind. I Love You more than life and will miss you my handsome, funny nephew. One more thing I’ll miss is when the “four musketeers” You, Tim, Kimberly, and Mike get together and my sides hurt from all of you making me laugh, what fun times we always had. Love, Auntie Phyllis (Dewong – only you and I know what that means. Until we meet again, rest peacefully XO

Kim
September 23, 2017 at 2:00 pm
Pj I will miss you beyond words, my heart is broken knowing you are no longer with us. You were more than a cousin you were a big brother. You protected me for as long as I can remember, like when you and Tim coming into my school because some boys where picking on me and setting them straight. You, tim, mike and I had so many laughs and so much fun together, the four musketeers. Fly high my angel watch over all of us. I love you cuz

Jeannine Rando
September 23, 2017 at 2:09 pm
We will miss you PJ love Auntie Jeannine

Tanya
September 23, 2017 at 2:37 pm
I am sending my love and deepest condolences to Stacey, Mary, Mike and all of PJ’s loving family and dear friends. I wish our paths would have crossed sooner in life and I will always be saddened by the thought of missing out on growing up together. My heart aches for everyone whose lives he touched.

Kevin Moody
September 23, 2017 at 3:33 pm
You will be greatly missed, I hope you have eternal peace.

Carolyn Melanson
September 23, 2017 at 8:14 pm
PJ, I am shocked and saddened to hear of your passing. My heart goes out to your family. RIP my friend.

Bill Libby
September 24, 2017 at 8:26 pm
PJ- RIP my old friend. I probably hadn’t seen you since right after high school, but when I heard the news I was shocked and it felt like just yesterday we were hurrying back from lunch at Enzo’s, or hanging out at Jimbos or any of the typical Friday night spots. My dearest condolences to your wife, family and all your friends.

Joanne
September 25, 2017 at 8:51 am
My cousin PJ had the best smile and laugh. I will always have great memories of you and the family growing up at nana and grampys house and all the fun we had at your house in Saugus. You will be missed so much. Love you

Mike Stuker
September 25, 2017 at 9:42 pm
MISS YOU PETE! You were one of the funniest guys I have ever known and one of my favorites to fly with. We will ALWAYS remember and love you brother. Hope you have found peace and all of our best to your family.

Debra Matthews Franklin
September 26, 2017 at 5:53 pm
PJ The pain is too great to hear of your passing. It hurts..To loose another member of my family.
I remember the day I laughed so hard when I stomped on that ketchup package and it covered you from head to toe…you were like 7 or 8 years old. Instead of crying or getting mad you burst out in laughter. I love you, your smile, your soul. You will be missed. May you find peace.