Thomas John Pavlatos

Thomas John Pavlatos, 80, of Ocala, Florida passed away on Friday, November 3rd at 10:30 p.m. in his home, while under the care of his wife Janis who had much appreciated help from hospice staff. During his battle with cancer Tom said, "Aren't you sick of taking care of me?" My answer "I took my vows seriously when we got married."

He was born in Duluth, Minnesota on November 12, 1942, to the late Angalos and Hazel Pavlatos.

Tom has enjoyed living in Florida since 2010 when we moved from Duluth, Minnesota and the notorious Minnesota winters. Tom totally enjoyed our home in The Oak Run community with many hours spent in our attached 'Bird-cage', sitting with a beer in hand while enjoying the scenery and watching the entertaining antics of the wild turkeys that live in the area.

Tom loved his 25 years of retirement. He often said "Best job I ever had. "The 21 cruises that we took were always a great get-away, seeing places and having experiences that were priceless. Cruises as well as 2 extended bus trips and car trips to various places in the states made memories that we often chatted about and re-lived over and over again.

Tom always enjoyed going out for a leisurely dinner with friends or just by ourselves. We both felt blessed to have great neighbors and friends who have been a big part of our lives. Tom referred to his best friend Dick as "My bud." All out of state visits by relatives or friends were a highlight that gave Tom the opportunity to show them his love for our home and community. Two slightly spoiled cockers Shelby and Bailey were our 'fur babies' that were loved and sadly missed after they 'crossed over that bridge.'

Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 20+ years Janis Holte-Pavlatos, his daughter Vicki (Jeff), grandchildren Haley Nelson, Lindsey Conley (Thomas) and Jared Nelson all from WI, sister Debra Kriedler (CA), sister-in-law Aine Merrill (WI), brother-in-law Wilho Tamminen (MN) cousins, nephews and nieces, step son Tim Ulshafer (TX), step daughter Teri Fedler (IL) and their families.

Thomas was preceded in death by his wife Ann Pavlatos (2001), infant daughter Lisa Karen Pavlatos (1965), his father Angalos Pavlatos (2013), his mother Hazel Pavlatos (1984), and brother Dennis Pavlatos (1976)

A Celebration of Life will be held in a private home in Oak Run on Dec 10th.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring of 2024 in Minnesota.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nationalcremation.com/location/the-villages for the Pavlatos family.