LITTLE FALLS-Mr. John Pawelek, 89, of 760 E. Monroe St., Little Falls, passed away on Saturday evening, December 1, 2007 in Van Allen?s Nursing Home, Little Falls. Mr. Pawelek was born on February 5, 1918 in Little Falls, son of the late John and Katherine Pawelek. John and his family returned to the country of Poland when he was a young boy where he was educated and then returned to Little Falls in 1938 then joining the Civilian Conservation Corps. After returning from the CC?s, John went to work for Syracuse Bakery, later the White Rose Bakery in Little Falls and shortly after met his future wife, Mary Pytko and the couple were married on February 2, 1944 in Herkimer. Mrs. Pawelek passed away on November 5, 1993, after a blessed union of close to 50 years. Most knew Mr. Pawelek as the owner of the recycling company called Valley Waste in Little Falls, a business that he operated for fifty years. John was a devoted and active member of the Holy Spirit Polish National Catholic Church, Little Falls and served as past chairperson on the board of directors over 30 years. He was also on the board of directors for the Holy Spirit Polish National Catholic Cemetery where he supervised the operation of the cemetery. He belonged to the Little Falls Polish Community Home where he was a lifetime member and also past president for many years. A proud father and grandfather, he always put his family first. In his younger years he enjoyed trapping, hunting and fishing. With his wife he enjoyed traveling to many places. He was a business man who dealt with the community with care, compassion and professionalism. He found great pride in his Polish heritage and its customs and traditions and will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Survivors include his children: Theodore Pawelek and wife Darlene of Poland, NY, Diane Aulisi and husband Fred of Little Falls, step daughter: Stella Wojcicki and husband Teddy of Little Falls, a brother: Taddeusz Pawelek and wife Krystyna and family of Camillus; grandchildren: Bart Pawelek, Julie Pawelek, Michael Pawelek, Jeffrey Aulisi and wife Kiera, Jennifer Aulisi; step grandchildren: Mark Wojcicki, Tammy Heiser and husband Steve, Denny Davis and wife Kathy and Melissa Borden and husband Jerry; two great grandchildren: Morgan (Pawelek) Wilson and Madisyn Aulisi. Also surviving are two sisters in law: Wladzia Fortuna of Little Falls and Nellie Bydlak of Ct.; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son: Stanley ?Stas? Pawelek; brothers: Marion and Walter Pawelek; sisters: Helen Pawelek, Stella McNelly and husband Jerry and Teodozja Pawelek. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe St., Little Falls, on Monday, (today), December 3, 2007 from 4-7 p.m. The Rev. Rafael Dadello will conduct a closing prayer at 7:00 p.m at the funeral home. Mr. Pawelek?s funeral will commence at 10:15 am on Tuesday, Dec. 4th, from the chapel of the funeral home where prayer will be offered and at 11 am from Holy Spirit Polish Nat?l Catholic Church, Gansevoort St., Little Falls with the Rev. Rafael Dadello, pastor officiating. Procession will follow to Holy Spirit Polish Nat?l Catholic Cemetery, town of Herkimer, where he will be laid to rest. In lieu of floral offerings, kindly consider memorial contributions to the Holy Spirit Polish Nat?l Catholic Church; envelopes and donations may be made at the funeral home. The family would like to acknowledge the care and compassion offered by Van Allen?s Nursing Home, Little Falls, Faxton/St. Luke?s Healthcare, New Hartford and the staff of Little Falls Hospital.