John Lawrence Pavia, a cherished husband, father, son, brother, friend, and colleague, took his final breath on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024 at 6:00 pm. He was preceded in death by his mother Maureen Pavia (Kelly) and is survived by his father Ned Pavia of Framingham, MA; John's devoted wife Natalie Pavia (Monestime), sons Aidan & Gabriel, daughter, Julianna Pavia of Salem, MA; brother Ed Pavia of Framingham, MA;  sister Jen Keller (Pavia), her Husband J. D. Keller, their children Jordan, and Trey Keller of Auburn, MA;  and Mother-in-Law, Kathleen Monestime (Dee) of Belmont, MA. His departure leaves a void in the hearts of numerous adoring nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, friends, and those who considered him family.

Proud Washingtonian by birth, born on October 15th, 1970, John's early years were filled with travel and adventure, as his father's work took the family to various states. The Pavia family resided in Landover Hills, Maryland; Overland Park, Kansas; New Milford, Connecticut; Clifton Park, New York; before finally settling in Framingham, MA. Here, John graduated from Framingham North High School with the class of 1988.

John furthered his education at Plymouth State University, earning a BA in History with a minor in Anthropology, while also showcasing his athletic prowess as a walk-on football player. Early in his career, he spent his summers working at the New England Home for Little Wanderers in Walpole. His passion for education was ignited during his time as an Instructional Assistant to special education students at Walsh Middle School. This experience inspired him to pursue a master's degree in Special Education from UMASS Boston. It was during this time that he met Natalie, the woman who would become his wife after a heartfelt courtship. They were married on July 5th, 2005, and made their home in Salem, MA.

John's career was dedicated to nurturing the potential of young minds. He served as a Teacher, Coach, Mentor, and Vice Principal, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives.

His teaching journey began at Harbor Schools in the North Shore as a Special Educator, followed by time at Chelsea High School where he served as a Special Education Teacher while also coaching both boys' and girls' basketball and football teams. He concluded his teaching career at NorthEast Vocational in Special Education and then transitioned into administration, serving as Assistant Principal at Lynn English High School and most recently at Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Lynn, Massachusetts. Although John officially worked at two schools in the Lynn School District, his positive impact extended to countless Lynn community students, staff, and families. He will forever be a member of his beloved "Dream Team".

John's life was a testament to his love for his family and his unwavering zest for life. Despite a challenging cancer diagnosis, he fought valiantly, his battle only serving to deepen his faith in God.

To have known John is to have instantly known a friend. He had a gift for striking up a conversation with anyone and would make them feel not only heard but seen. Not to be confused for a Patriots fan, he was quick to let you know that he was a lifelong member of Steeler Nation. John was immensely proud of his three children whom he loved unconditionally, reveling in the wholeness of who they had blossomed into being.

John spent the last 34 years of his life committed to his sobriety.  He was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous.  Throughout his sobriety, John helped countless men get sober and better their lives.  He did this with the genuine kindness and caring ways that everyone knew him for. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the beautiful family he built with Natalie.

Services will be held at Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal Street, Salem, MA 01970. The wake, open to the public, will be held on Sunday, May 5th, 2024 from 1-4 pm. The Funeral Service, reserved for family,  close friends and co-workers, will be held on Monday, May 6th from 12-1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made in his honor to Massachusetts General Hospital's Caring for a Cure.