Obituary of Joanne Trent Pavuk

Ridgewood, NJ- Formerly of Peckville, PA

Joanne T. Pavuk, 91, formally of Peckville, PA fell asleep in the Lord on September 6, 2025 at Brandywine Memory Care in Mahwah, NJ.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA, to the late Michael and Cleo (Gongos) Trent (Triantafillou), Joanne graduated from Brentwood High School in 1952. She began her career as a dental assistant for an orthodontist in downtown Pittsburgh while taking evening college courses and voice lessons. After years of vocal training, Joanne began singing professionally with several bands, performing romantic ballads and popular songs from the 1940s and 50s at weddings and private events, always elegantly dressed in the beautiful gowns made by her mother.

In 1964, Joanne’s sister, Deanne, who worked at the University of Pittsburgh Dental School, introduced her to Peter Pavuk, a dental student. Joanne, of Greek Orthodox faith, and Peter, of Slavic Orthodox background, connected over their shared beliefs. The couple married the following year at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Pittsburgh. After Peter’s graduation, the couple departed Joanne’s beloved Pittsburgh for their new life in Peckville, PA, where Peter joined the dental practice of his brother, Myron.

Joanne and Peter built a beautiful life together, raising two children, Christine and Christopher. For 51 years, Joanne kept the books for the practice while devoting herself to her children and caring for her home. She lovingly cared for Peter through many years of illness, facing every challenge with grace, strength, and unwavering faith.

Yiayia to her seven grandchildren, Joanne’s world was her family. Her smile was brightest when sharing stories of those she loved. In recent years, after to moving to New Jersey to live with her daughter Christine and son-in-law Michael, Joanne especially cherished Wednesdays. She would accompany her daughter Christine to Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church in Wayne, NJ, to volunteer. There she could be found folding handouts, shredding documents, and reading the religious books in the parish library.

Joanne is survived by her sister, Deanne Demaris of Akron, OH; her daughter, Christine (Michael) Santangelo of Ridgewood, NJ, with whom she lived for five years following Peter’s passing; and their children, Calli, Jaclyn, and Michael Trent Santangelo. She is also survived by her son, Christopher (Jeanine) Pavuk of Clarks Summit, PA, and their children, Lily, Peter, Sadie, and Jack Pavuk. She will be lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews who affectionately called her “Aunt Joanie.”

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Peter, her brother Dean Trent of Pittsburgh, and many brothers- and sisters-in-law whom she cherished as her own family.

A funeral service will be held at Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church, 285 French Hill Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470 on September 11th at 11:00am.  Friends may call at the church prior to the funeral service from 10:00am to 11:00am.  Interment will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 10:30am at the St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Cathedral Cemetery, Old Plank Road, Mayfield, PA. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church 285 French Hill Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Funeral arrangements are honorably entrusted to Zygmunt-Murtie Funeral and Cremation Service - 845-477-8240 or visit www.zmmemorials.com.