Nicholas Taras Pawluk was born in Germany and immigrated to the United States with his parents and his twin brothers after WW II. His family settled in the Ukrainian community in Chicago IL. Nick entered the Army shortly after high school. He first served in Korea, and during his tour of duty at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville AL in 1972, Nick met and married Beth Hano. The couple was married for 47 years. The military provided their European honeymoon of four years, after which he served at Redstone and Fort Huachuca, AZ.
Nick retired from the Army after 21 years’ service to his country, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class. Afterwards he worked at Calhoun Community College for 20 years. In civilian life Nick promoted his Ukrainian cultural heritage though educational classes and displays, as well as teaching the art of Ukrainian egg decoration. Nick represented Ukraine at the Mobile International Fest, the Burritt Museum, the UAH International Fest and Learning Quest for many years. Nick enjoyed several trips to Ukraine and Belarus to visit relatives; he last visited in October 2019.
Nick passed peacefully with his Beth by his bedside. He is survived by his wife, family in Illinois and Wisconsin, and friends all over the world. A private funeral will be conducted at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Huntsville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Thomas.
