Michael Julien Pavlo of Maggie Valley, NC, peacefully went home to be with Jesus; his loving wife of 12 years, Laura, faithfully by his side until his final breath.

Mike grew up in an orphanage, raised by nuns with his sister, Mary. He learned at a very early age to take care of others, looking after his sister in a manner of care that he then extended to others for the rest of his life. Later, Mike moved to Brooklyn, and after graduating from high school, pursued a career as an HVAC engineer, working in high rise buildings throughout midtown Manhattan for over 30 years.

His mind was quick, and he always thought “out-of-the-box”, resolving, fixing, troubleshooting and improving things with ingenious ideas in order to make machinery and service more efficient for others in the NYC buildings in which he worked, whether it be Rockefeller Center or Park Towers.

Mike was a loving, forgiving, peaceful, selfless, and humble man of God. His Christ-like character traits allowed him to offer others comfort; namely compassion, love, peace, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and generosity. The Fruits of the Spirit.

He served so many people in his lifetime, including his mother, sisters, nieces, nephews, and many friends. If there was a need, Mike never hesitated to give of himself, always placing others first. Mike was truly a good-and-faithful servant, serving in churches, people’s homes, repairing anything that needed attention - never asking for anything in return. He was a happy, generous giver who believed the Lord would provide. And He did.

Mike enjoyed reading his morning devotionals, eating good food, telling jokes, watching movies, spending time with friends, but most of all he loved, valued, and treasured the years of spontaneous adventures with his wife.

His caring, sweet nature, his smiling eyes and of course his sense of humor will be missed but remembered in our hearts forever. Mike’s deepest desire and prayer for his family and friends was for them to come to know Jesus Christ and to have a deeper and richer relationship with Him.

Mike is the son of Bernice Pollett and the late Julius Pavlo. He was predeceased by his sister Stella Riley.

Mike leaves behind his devoted wife and love of his life, Laura, his mother Bernice, his sister Mary (Greg) Kosarek, his brothers Bob and Norm (Brenda) Foucault, his brother-in-law Steve Riley, his nieces Jessica and Rebecca (Justin) Riley, his nephews Joseph (Amanda) Smith, Christopher Kosarek, C-J Kaufmann, and many brothers and sisters in Christ.

We’ll see Mike wherever there is thoughtfulness, when caring for others, and in the sunrise of the Smoky Mountains. He is now in the arms of his Lord and Savior hearing the words: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Laura wishes to express her sincerest gratitude to Michael’s caregivers, Stef and Mel for their tireless, unending love and support, the compassionate team at CarePartners Hospice/Solace Center, all who fervently prayed, and those who generously donated to help support his care.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Michael Pavlo, be Mike for a day!

Show extra love and compassion, serve someone in need, have forgiveness, be generous or just brighten a person’s day with a heartfelt smile. Do whatever you think would honor Mike’s name.

He loved this scripture:

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me – put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:8-9) NIV

We will be hosting a Celebration of Life for Michael Pavlo as well as a movie in his honor coming in 2027! Check back with us in the new year for updates!

The care of Mr. Pavlo is handled by Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.