Dorothy J. Adamich

Dorothy Jean Adamich (Pavelchak), 89, began the next phase of her journey in heaven on January 30, 2017.  She was born September 16, 1927 in Akron, OH to Susanna (Gdula) and Peter Pavelchak.  During her early years on Akron’s east side, she was active in the Russian Orthodox Church and East High (graduated in 1945).

After 10 years serving as an administrative assistant at Akron Standard Mold, Dorothy made the bold decision to pursue her dream to become a teacher.  Her academic career began at the University of Akron where she was an elementary education major and a member of the Kappa Delta Pi education sorority.  After graduation she continued to pursue post graduate studies at Case Western Reserve and the University of Colorado.  Dorothy’s unique ability to identify student potential served her well as she taught first and second grades at Portage Path Elementary.

In May 1961, Dorothy met and married the love of her life, Barberton native Thomas Eugene Adamich and started to create their family – beginning with the birth of daughter JulieAnne Jean Adamich-Scheblein, daughter Lisa Anne Adamich, and son Thomas Anthony Adamich.  Job opportunities for Tom moved the family to Dover/ New Philadelphia, OH where Tom worked for Joy Manufacturing prior to founding an electric motor engineering and marketing firm.  Dorothy played an important role in the young company’s development – serving as company secretary during those early days.

Dorothy resumed her teaching career, teaching kindergarten and first grade at several New Philadelphia schools, including Tuscarawas Avenue, York, and East.  Students honored her dedication and kindness years later as she attended the weddings of several former students.  Dorothy was an active member of the College Club of Tuscarawas County, serving as co-president and receiving life membership status.

In 1979, the Adamich family moved to Florida – where they lived until their return to New Philadelphia in 1987.  They wintered in Florida and traveled extensively.

In addition to her family, Dorothy’s survivors include son-in-law Karl Scheblein. sisters Patricia Pavelchak and Joan (Paul) Maty, grandson Nicholas Billiris, granddaughter Michelle (John) Iannelli, step granddaughters Kristen Scheblein, Lauren (Jay) Weiss , great granddaughter Sidney Weiss nieces Toni (Mark) Trenta, Paula (Jim) Emerick, Debbie Clement, Rebecca Coulton, and nephews Mark (Sandy) Pavelchak and Tom Maty.  She was preceded in death by Edward (Katherine) Pavelchak and Eugene (Rheba) Adamich.

Special thanks to Dan, Perry and Linda Hershberger and the caregivers at New Dawn Healthcare along with Crossroads Hospice for their compassionate care, patient focus, and thoughtful approaches.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 11^th at 10:30AM at Sacred Heart Church, 139 3^rd St. N.E. New Philadelphia, OH, with inurnment following at Calvary Cemetery.