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Joseph Pazdan Obituary

Joseph Martin Pazdan II GREENVILLE, SC - Joseph Martin Pazdan II, 62, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away Friday, April 28, 2023 at home surrounded by many loving family members. He handled his nearly two-year battle with an unbeatable cancer with courage and grace and used his precious time to take long walks with his wife, Ginny, spend time with his children and grandchildren, mentor the next generation of architects, write many notes to family and friends, travel and take in every new culinary spot in the area. Everyone loved hearing about his adventures including biking, hiking, fishing, skiing, and many more. With his busy life of family, career and community, Joe taught us how to live ... with his cancer journey, he taught us how to die. Born in Greenville, he was the son of the late Joseph John and Allie Haywood Pazdan. In addition to his wife of 36 years, Ginny Piper Pazdan, he is survived by three children, daughters, Virginia Pazdan Powers (Thomas), Allie Caroline Pazdan (Jesse), and Joseph Martin Pazdan III; three grandchildren, Virginia Avery Powers, William Thomas Powers, and Mary Haywood Powers; sister, Dr. Judy Lytle (Bob); sister, Mary Beth Cross (Doug); brother, John Pazdan (Emilie); sister, Donna Friedman (Randy); and a number of nieces and nephews. Joe received both his Bachelor of Science degrees in Design and Building Science and Management from Clemson University. He had a passion for Clemson and stayed involved with the university's architectural program throughout his career. He also served on Clemson's Board of Visitors and was involved with the Master of Real Estate program. After starting his architecture career with JE Sirrine Company in Greenville, Joe and college design friend Brad Smith branched out on their own in 1993, starting the design firm Pazdan Smith Group. As a practicing architect over the past 30 years, Joe played a significant role in Greenville's economic vitality as witnessed by his substantial resume of projects in the downtown business corridor. With a passion for sustainable land use and design, his projects have included numerous retail, mixed-use, commercial office and industrial buildings. Today his firm, McMillan Pazdan Smith Architects, has over 330 professionals and eight offices in the Carolinas and Georgia. Joe had a passion for the Greenville community and throughout his career was active on numerous civic boards and organizations throughout Greenville such as the Metro YMCA, United Way, March of Dimes, Greenville Technical College, and Greenville Chamber of Commerce. Professionally and reaching beyond Greenville, Joe gave back serving in management roles for the Urban Land Institute (ULI). A lifelong Catholic, his faith was at the core of everything he did. The Catholic community of Saint Mary's, Bon Secours Saint Francis Health System, and Saint Joseph's High School all benefited from his charity AND design input. Joe was accompanied on his cancer journey by four guardian angels: Maria Barrera, Kathy Ochoa, Candice Richardson and finally Joe's golf cart driving Co-Man of Leisure ... Scott Malouche The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church. The family will celebrate Joe's life on Monday, May, 1, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the home of Emilie and John Pazdan, 109 Lowood Lane, Greenville, SC 29605. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: YMCA of Greenville, Saint Francis Project Search or the charity of one's choice. Favorite memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com. Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown, Greenville, SC Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Apr. 30 to May 1, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Pazdan

Sponsored by Thomas McAfee Funeral Home - Downtown Chapel Downtown Chapel.

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Colin Bailey

May 2, 2023

I first met Joe in the early 90's, before he and Brad founded the Pazdan Smith Group. The remarkable success he had in business is obvious, as the more than 300 person staff in place today realize, was the result of hard work and determination. He always did his best for his clients and excellence was his trademark. I've always admired him for his enthusiasm and drive that was not limited to his business but was consistent across the spectrum of every aspect of his life. He leaves a legacy of integrity and high character to all of his friends, coworkers, and family, and will be missed
tremendously in all realms. My condolences to his family and loved ones.

Darren C. Springer

May 2, 2023

On behalf of DEVITA's employees, deepest sympathy to Joe's family and friends, and to the MPS team.

Terry Sagedy

May 2, 2023

Dear Ginny and the entire Pazdan family. Sending love to you all. May perpetual light shine upon Joe and God's mercy be with you all during this time. I hope the coming days bring you peace.

Greg Bruno

May 2, 2023

My condolences to the family of a great man and mentor to so many. I met Joe on several occasions and he was always very kind and took an interest in me and wanted to know what was happening in my life and with my business. He will be missed.

Marty Navarro

May 2, 2023

Joe will be missed greatly by all that knew him. He never failed to show grace, humility and a strong interest in relationships. A successful entrepreneur, but even greater a friend, brother, husband, father and grandfather. Sending love to the Pazdan family.
Marty, Ellie, Nick and Ashley

Anne Bull (Dennis)

May 2, 2023

We are so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. We served with Joe on the Board of Visitors for several years and enjoyed being with someone like Joe who was so kind and passionate about life. What a great legacy he leaves.

Tulia Scott

May 1, 2023

My deepest sympathies to the Pazdan and MPS family, praying for your peace and comfort during this time. Joe was definitely a staple in the industry and the community. During my time at the company he always had an open door ready to listen and talk. We talked about extracurricular activites and he warned me not to try to do too much to get burnt out and we talked about the Haiti mission trips. He was a wonderful person with a kind heart and was instumental in me doing Leadership Greenville. I am very grateful for my experience and time knowing him.

Mike deMaine

May 1, 2023

I wanted to share how proud I was to call Joe a friend. We had the opportunity to play some golf, talk sports venues, and serve the community together. Most importantly Joe was a genuinely nice and amazing person. Reading the posts and letters remind me how much of an impact he made in life. I will miss him.

Ken OMalley

May 1, 2023

I am so sorry to hear the news of Joe's passing. My sincere condolences to his entire family.
Ken O'Malley

Al Berry

May 1, 2023

As a former BOV Chair and member of the Clemson Board of Visitors, I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our friend Joe. My prayers go out to the family as you experience this tragic death and separation from this earthly life. May his memories always be with each of you as a family as you reflect back on all of the wonderful experiences that each of you shared with this your Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend. I too will share in these memories as a Beloved Clemson Friend. May God's Blessings and Peace be with each of you, Al Berry, Past Chair of Clemson BOV and member for 27 years.

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

MPS Asheville Office

Sent Flowers

Doug West

May 1, 2023

On behalf of those of us at Shelco, LLC that had the privilege to work with Joe, we ask God to Bless the family and his friends to cherish fond memories of the great person he was.

Bob Barreto

May 1, 2023

Greenville will not be the same without you Joe.

David W. Lewis, AIA

May 1, 2023

Joe was a special person and a true gentleman; he will be missed. He was a friend from the day we met in 1985 and I cherish having known and worked with him over the many years.

Jimmy Orders

April 30, 2023

Ginny - already missing Joe. Love you and your family!

Jimmy & Diana

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Memorial Events
for Joseph Pazdan

May

2

Service

12:00 p.m.

St. Mary's Catholic Church

111 Hampton Ave., Greenville, SC 29601

Funeral services provided by:

Thomas McAfee Funeral Home - Downtown Chapel

639 North Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601

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