Mr. Pablo M. "Pavin" Irizarry

UTICA - Mr. Pablo M. “Pavin” Irizarry, age 84, passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2017 in the comfort of his home with those he loved the most by his side. Born in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico on June 8, 1933, Pablo was the son of the late Pablo Juan and Venera (Molina) Irizarry. As a young man, he worked alongside his dad at a plantation, and at the age of 14, because of his mathematical ability, he was given the task of keeping the ledger… an accountant in charge of the works! This was the first position where Pavin’s attributes of loyalty, integrity, and aptitude were recognized, and would continue to be noticed by his numerous employers that followed. In the 1950’s, he came to upstate New York and was immediately hired by the New York Telephone Company as a tree surgeon. The company chose him to train in Binghamton as a specialist in fighting Dutch Elm tree disease. He later relocated to Utica and worked at Utica Veal as a meat cutter. He subsequently accepted a position with the New York State Department of Transportation working in various capacities. Every one of Pavin’s employers valued his performance and work ethic. On September 9, 1983, in Utica, he married the former Ana Rosa Sierra with whom he shared 34 years. Their love was strong and their devotion to each other was solid. Rosa was by his side to the very end. As a patriarch, Pablo loved and provided for his family first, but anyone in need became important to him. He loved from his heart and he took others into his own. He was not a man of many words, but his affection had no reservations. Pavin was a man’s man; he never complained, was loyal in his work, and he wanted his wife to be able to remain at home to raise his family. He was from a large family himself, so he learned to share and care about one another. He had a humorous side, and when visitors came to his table and coffee was served, he wanted his to be steaming hot so he could stir it in his cup, then reach over and tap someone’s arm with his hot spoon as a sign of affection and humor! He stood strong and remained positive in any situation, and he was able to keep everything under control. He loved the game of dominos, and when his wife wasn’t watching, he had a couple of shots of whiskey, …but she always knew. Pavin was self-taught but so well accomplished. He loved his home and his car, and he made sure everything was in tip-top shape. His life skills were vast and he was usually right when it came to repairs. He learned a great deal about life through his lessons at the school of hard knocks. When he was with his brothers, they combined their talents and efforts to fix anything and make it work. He was respected by many in the community because he was a good man. Each of Pablo’s children had his undivided attention at different times of their lives, a blessing for which they will be forever grateful. He loved his grandchildren, and when it came to them, all the rules went out the window, and they had a great time. He held his family to the highest standards, and they were aware of his noble intentions. He was a man of honor in spite of any controversy, and when things went amiss, he would give his advice but never told them what to do. He had faith in their good judgment. In the end, his wish came true: during his final journey of life, he was at home in the care of his family —- legions of loved ones who stood by his side with honor and pride. Pablo is survived by his wife, Ana Rosa; his sons and daughters-in-law, Pablo and Anna C. Irizarry, and Paul and Julie “JuJu” Irizarry; his daughter, Erika Irizarry; his grandchildren, Pablo Pavin Jr. and Stephanie Irizarry; Mariana, Paulie Jr., twins Italia and Latina; and Nolie; and his great-grandchildren, Violetta, Pablo P., and Ignacio. He also leaves his sister, Elisa Irizarry; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Nicolas Irizarry, Felipe and Judith Irizarry, Juan Irizarry, Emilio and Gladys Irizarry, Natividad Irizarry, and Enrique and Gloria Irizarry; his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, brother-in-law, Ruben Irizarry; and the many family friends who graced his life, and many of whom have gone before him. He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Anita “Ana” and Armondo Zayas; his brother and sister-in-law, Santos I. Irizarry Molina and Elsa Molina; in-laws, Barbara E. Irizarry, Leonor Irizarry, and Jane Irizarry; niece, Linda M. Irizarry-Kimball, and Diane “Baybee” Zayas; and nephew, Joseph L. Irizarry. The family extends their thanks to Dr. Daniel Goodman for his medical expertise; LPN Alexandra for the special attention she provided to Pablo; Nurse Managers Courtney Riesel and Dianna Scranton at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Heathcare Center Emergency Department for their vigilance; and the Utica Fire Department for their many responses and personal commitment to Pablo. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South Street, corner of Hammond Avenue. By family request, please omit floral offerings.

Mr. Pablo M. "Pavin" Irizarry

June 8, 1933 - October 26, 2017