Edwin Thaddeus "Ed" Pawlowski

Edwin Thaddeus "Ed" Pawlowski, 94, left his earthly existence on July 1, 2025, immersed in the love and comfort of his family. He was born on October 20, 1930 in Barnesboro PA, son of Emilia and Blair Pawlowski. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Reginald and Marion, sisters-in-law, Ursula (Blair) Pawlowski, Arlene (Marion) Pawlowski and brother-in-law James Eppolito. He is survived by wife Rosemary (Eppolito), children Juliet (Rev. Thomas J.) Parlette, Rochester MN, Emilia (Mauro) Pasquetti, Ashburn VA, Dr. Lucia, and spouse (Dr. Todd Lawrence), St. Paul MN, and E. Thaddeus Pawlowski and spouse, Kelly Dunn, New York, NY; brother Blair V., Ebensburg, PA, and sister, Wanda, Hollidaysburg. He loved and cherished his grandchildren: Grafton and Thomson Parlette, and Bianca and Stella Pasquetti. Family was always first with Edwin as his numerous nieces and nephews will attest. Along with his family, Edwin was proud and true to his Polish heritage, taking the opportunity to visit the homeland of his parents many times during his lifetime, often sharing these trips with members of his family. Edwin graduated from Spangler High School, attended Alliance College and graduated with a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania in 1952, where he studied under the famed architect Louis Kahn and philosopher Lewis Mumford. He served in the US Army in Germany from 1955-56. His first professional position was with the prestigious NYC firm of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. However, his sights were always on starting his own private practice in Johnstown, PA. Before he could do this, he set out with a satchel, washable clothes and canned foods to experience the great architecture of the world. His world tour lasted six months, in which he traveled through Europe, North Africa, the Holy Land, Iran, India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico. He traveled light, taking mostly trains, ships, and buses, and avoiding planes at his mother’s behest. This curiosity to discover humanity and different cultures in turn shaped his children as well as his architectural practice.

Edwin began his private practice of architecture in January, 1962, first in the 1st National Bank Building and the Jupiter building, both on Main Street in Johnstown, above the Park, where he practiced the majority of his career. Partners along the way included Richard Ross, Ed Cramer, Pat Ditko, Ben Policcicchio, Jeff Eash, Jim Carthew, Rene Jacoby and Joel Trexler. Edwin was privileged to create many significant projects: Main Street East, Lincoln Center, Franklin Center, Napoleon Place, Inclined Plane Visitors Center, Flood Museum Restoration, Cambria County Courthouse Restoration, Point Stadium, Red Cross Regional Blood Center, Main Street Beautification, Southmont Park, Johnstown Airport, Sunnehanna Country Club renovations, Central Park Complex, Johnstown Housing Authority projects, renovations to the BOTTLE WORKS and ART WORKS buildings, as well as churches, municipal buildings. He was instrumental in helping Johnstown with the 1977 flood recovery with his long-time collaborators Mayor Herb Pfuhl and Fulton Connor. His family’s first house on Menoher Blvd, and later on Tioga Street, are unique local examples of Bauhaus design. His “retirement” since 2013 has been spent helping others bring their “dream” projects to fruition. For instance, he advocated for Grandview Cemetery to be listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Through the years, he was a mentor to over 50 aspiring architects who are now successfully practicing throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Ed came from a long line of civic leaders. His parents were both born in Poland and came to the United States when they were young, around the turn of the century. His father returned to fight in WWI and came home and became a powerful advocate for immigrants and working people and Cambria County. Ed faced many challenges in his life–his father died in 1939 when he was 9 years old, leaving Ed’s mother Emilia Pawlowski with five children and a business to run. Ed stayed by her side throughout her life. In 1958, he was hit by a vegetable truck in Paris (the settlement paid for his world travels), he had open heart surgery at 50, and he also had a hip replacement at age 93–an act of great courage and demonstrated his love for life. Edwin left this world not only a more beautiful place but a better one as well. His infectious smile and quiet nature endeared him to all who knew him. He was generous to a fault and supported many organizations who served the peoples of the community that he loved.

He never said “no” to the constant requests from his wife who pleaded to “make that visual” because that is what sold the project. He made her look good, when, in fact, it was his own labor and excellent work. His meticulous line drawings are prolific and reflect a talent that was creative as well as practical. His gift for drawing was evidenced even in his constant baroque doodling during phone calls and at dinner. Edwin was a lifetime member of the American Institute of Architects. He served on the PA Department of Labor and Industry Board of Appeals for 10 years. His honors include the YWCA Tribute to Men and the Business Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Artists Hall of Fame in 2014, an honor he shared with his wife Rosemary, named by the program the “Designer and the Driver.” Their marriage of almost 58 years has been an inspiration to all they know and their partnership left an indelible impact on the community. He was a captive to the game of golf and playing regularly made him a formidable competitor until late in his 80’s. Among his best memories are the trips with his brothers, and “other” brothers to great and to remote golf courses around the world. Edwin’s love and spirit remains in our hearts until, with God’s Grace, we meet him again. There will be a viewing at Harris Funeral Home 500 Cherry Lane, Richland on Sunday July 6 from 3pm-7pm, and a Mass at 10:00 AM at Our Mother of Sorrows on Tioga Street, Westmont on Monday, July 7th. Because of his lifelong desire to sustain a vibrant Downtown, the family is asking for your consideration in supporting the non-profit Gallery on Gazebo as it plays a role in the revitalization of Johnstown. Please remember our father, brother, and community member by doing good deeds and supporting those who make a difference in your community. Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com. PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH FOR MASS.