Dave Pavelko, 50

Waterford, Conn.

David James Pavelko, 50, of Waterford, Conn., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on June 30 after losing his year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. David was born on July 8, 1973 in Bridgeport, Conn., the son of the late James Edward Pavelko and Susan Henchman Pavelko.

David was a proud graduate of Fairfield College Preparatory School, from which he made lasting friendships, and attended Roanoke College before starting his career as a professional sailor, rigger, and boat captain. David was an avid skier, loved all musical genres, especially the one occupied by the Grateful Dead, and could always be found with a book in his hand.

As a child, he learned to sail on Long Island Sound, spending his childhood in the sailing program at Housatonic Boat Club (Stratford, Conn.), and his teenage years running their tender. David’s love for racing had him sailing in Long Island Sound, Newport, R.I., and Key West, Fla. He was also fortunate to also sail in international waters including Bermuda, Sardinia, Bahamas, and the Canary Islands.

Lovingly known as “Super Dave” on the racecourse, he was a free spirit who will be remembered for his laugh, humor, storytelling, philosophical outlook on life, intellect and his obscure memory for facts and “useless knowledge.” He is known for his love of friendship and his family; however, his greatest accomplishment was his daughter, Leila Rose.