PASTERNACKI, Paul J.

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Paul J. Pasternacki, 87, died Feb. 11, 2011, quietly in his home in Flagstaff. He was born May 17, 1923, in Stevens Point, Wisc., to Paul P. and Johanna (Stefaniak) Pasternacki. Early in life, Mr. Pasternacki had an adventuresome spirit, residing with his wife and growing family in 12 different homes in seven states. In his long work career, he was a U.S. Merchant Marine, taught biology, was a Civilian Conservation Corp worker, guided at Carlsbad Caverns National Park and was a professional photographer. Ultimately, he became a management analyst for the U.S. Air Force and moved to Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, N.M., in 1960. He achieved the rank of CMSGT before retiring in 1983 with 26 years of service. He married Marion M. Zagzebski on June 6, 1946, and had five children. The couple was members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Clovis, N.M., for more than 50 years. His life-long love of cars eventually culminated in making an internationally broadcast television commercial for the Toyota Motor Company with his family in 1990. In 2007, Mr. and Mrs. Pasternacki made their final adventurous move to Flagstaff to reside at The Peaks, where he thoroughly enjoyed the dining room and the caring staff. Mr. Pasternacki is survived by his wife, Marion Pasternacki; sister Marie (Pasternacki) Simkowski of Fort Smith, Ark.; his children, Linda Pasternacki and Jacque Pasternacki (Dawn) of Albuquerque N.M., JoAnn Fitzgerald (Bill) of Campbell, Calif., Mary Pasternacki (Stuart Tuttle) of Flagstaff and John Pasternacki of Camp Verde; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother in 1947 and his father in 1954. A memorial service will be today at 5 p.m. at The Peaks, followed by dinner in Mr. Pasternacki's favorite dining room. He will be buried with a private service at Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, N.M. Condolences for the family can be sent to www.norvelowensmortuary.com. Norvel Owens Mortuary is handling arrangements.