Edward “Ed” Stephen Pavlinsky, 87, of New Market, Maryland, passed away on September 5, 2026.

Ed was born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania on July 15, 1939. After graduating from high school in Clearfield, Pennsylvania in 1957, he joined the United States Air Force. His military career took him to language school in Monterey, California, where he learned to read and speak fluent Russian. From there, he spent a year in Alaska before being assigned to the National Security Agency at Fort Meade, Maryland. While Ed worked at NSA, he earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from The University of Maryland in Political Science and International Studies.

In 1961, Ed married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou Jury. The two built a life together in Laurel, Maryland, where they raised their family. Ed left the Air Force that same year but continued his service to his country through his work with the NSA, where he remained until retiring on December 31, 1995. Soon after retirement, Ed joined a government contractor assisting NSA and worked for another 12 years. Ed was always very proud of his military and government service.

Ed was also dedicated to the communities where he lived. While in the Maryland City neighborhood of Laurel, he became involved in civic activities, including coaching recreational boys’ basketball. He enjoyed being part of the community and was an active member of Resurrection Catholic Church.

In 1999, Ed and Mary Lou moved to New Market, where Ed quickly found another community to embrace. He loved living in The Meadow and served as President of the Homeowners Association for an impressive 15 years. He took that responsibility seriously and enjoyed being involved and keeping an eye on things, especially the grounds!

Ed continued to run his antique business and work in the office at The Mill in Savage Mills, Maryland. He also volunteered at the library in Mount Airy and at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, where he was a member.

Ed also enjoyed the simple things in life, celebrating the holidays with his family, watching the Baltimore Ravens and the Game Show Network on TV, and having a nice yard. He especially enjoyed playing board and card games. A special thank you goes to the caregivers from Visiting Angels, who spent time with Ed over the years and, most importantly, joined him in playing many games. Their companionship meant a great deal to him.

Ed lived a life of service to his country, family, friendship, and community.

Ed is survived by his sister, Betsy Pavlinsky; daughter Andrea (Doug); son Eddie (Laurie); grandchildren Kyle and Morgan; nephew Matth (Abby); and a very special family friend, Richard Jeffers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Martha; his sister, Marta; and his beloved wife of 55 years, Mary Lou.

Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Ed are invited to Stauffer’s Funeral Home in Mount Airy, Maryland, on Saturday, October 10. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., with a service beginning at 3:00 p.m. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude’s Hospital.