Dave Pavlik, a lifelong resident of Bridgeport and a man who could strike up a conversation with anyone, passed away on March 27, 2026, at the age of 69. Born on October 28, 1956, to the late Edward and Sophie (Kaimer) Pavlik, Dave built his life in his hometown where he and his beloved wife, Karen, shared 43 years of marriage.

An avid outdoorsman, Dave’s happiest moments were spent in nature. His true sanctuary was the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont, where he spent countless days boondoggling in the deep woods off Forest Road 10. By taking his children there regularly, Dave passed on his profound love of nature to his son and daughter.

In addition to the woods, Dave was drawn to the salt air of Key West, Florida, where he loved to fish the coastal flats and always made a first stop at Sloppy Joe’s on Duval Street. Dave also shared a cherished annual trip to Cape Cod, where he loved to have breakfast at Larry’s PX, and catch the sunset at Rock Harbor in Orleans. Whether in the Keys, on the Cape, or anywhere else his travels took him, Dave always sought out the "true resident experience." He preferred hanging with the locals over any tourist attraction, eager to understand the heart of a place through the people who lived there.

Above all, Dave had the "gift of gab." He was an avid storyteller who had an anecdote for every occasion and was known for talking to almost anyone who crossed his path. Whether he was people-watching or sharing a laugh with a friend, Dave made everyone feel like they had a story worth telling.

Dave worked at Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford for 41 years, retiring in 2021.

Dave is survived by his wife, Karen Pavlik; his son, Stephen Pavlik (Kristen) of Concord, MA; his daughter, Elizabeth Pavlik of Hyannis, MA; his three cherished grandchildren, Anna, Claire, and Roger, and his mother-in-law, Jane Wharton. He also leaves behind his brothers, Martin Pavlik (Renee Brandner) and James Pavlik (Sandra); his sisters and brothers-in-law, Debbie Jankura (Jim) and Chris Wharton (Stephanie); and his nephew, Jeremy Pavlik (Kira).

A Celebration of Life for Dave will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM at The Little Goose, 397 Commerce Dr, Fairfield, CT. The family invites those who knew him to gather and share their favorite stories. In honor of Dave’s love for Key West, guests are encouraged to wear Jimmy Buffett or Caribbean-themed attire.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Green Mountain Club Trail Maintenance Fund (www.greenmountainclub.org), to ensure that the Vermont woods he loved so much remain a place of discovery for all.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Adzima Funeral Home- Stratford.