Joseph Martin Pazdan II

June 4, 1960 - April 28, 2023

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St. Mary's Catholic Church

111 Hampton Ave.

Greenville, SC 29601

Tuesday 5/2, 12:00 pm

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, daughter 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.

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Joseph with the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.

St. Mary's Catholic Church

111 Hampton Ave.

Greenville, SC 29601

Map

Tuesday 5/2, 12:00 pm

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, spendContinue Reading

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Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My heart is broken for all of you! Joe will always be the finest of men! He made a positive mark on the Upstate and on each one blessed to know him!

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Joseph Pazdan . Plant a Tree

Too young and too much to offer to be taken from us now. I wish you the best in these very difficult times.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Joseph Pazdan . Plant a Tree

Ginny, I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and your family.

Dear Pazdan Family, My heart is heavy at the news of Joe’s passing and yet, my heart rejoices knowing he is with our Lord Jesus, renewed and restored! I worked and came to know Joe at CRSS Architects in the early 1990’s. He was an amazing person with a caring spirit. We worked on many projects together. Over the years our paths went separate ways, but I always thought the world of Joe! He left an huge imprint on everyone he met and on this community. My deepest sympathies go out to you all and I pray that the presence of the Lord is with you and that you have His Perfect Peace that passes all understanding!

My deepest condolences to the Pazdan and MPS families in our loss. I say "our" loss because Joe was a man who always left me better than he found me. Joe, like Jesus, was both gentle and strong - a man whose meek character touched my life and the life of my son. A couple of years ago, Joe took precious time to personally encourage my son's interest in architecture. He did so with both words and actions, inviting my son to work as a runner in MPS's Greenville office, an experience that has strengthened my son's interest in the profession to which Joe devoted his career. A generous and kind-hearted man, Joe never failed to encourage me with every encounter. He will be missed. - Clint (and Noah) Rigsby

Praying for all of Joe’s family and friends He was a great man of character An outstanding leader in his company and community In my 46 years with the YMCA Joe was such a tremendous help in truly building the foundation of this YMCA It was an honor to have worked with him

My heart goes out to Joe's family and to all that knew him. The community lost a great leader that will be hard to replace.

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and the entire MPS team.

Brownstone sends our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Joseph Pazdan . Plant a Tree

Joe was loved by so many and will be missed by our entire community. He was a great leader in all that he did throughout his life I am so proud that I had the opportunity to have known him. Rest in peace, Joe Pearlie

What a joy it has been to have worked with Joe for 20 years, his enthusiasm, striving for excellence and smiling face will be missed. His dedication to Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital encouraged good design at its best. His kindness and interest in my daughters as they frequented the office were find examples of the fruits of the Spirit. Cindy and I pray for Brad, Ginny and their families during this time of loss and celebration of Joe's life in which God truly blessed us!

The love and courage Joe showed reminded me to cherish those we love. He was loved by so many and he will be missed. I'm so sorry for your loss.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Joseph Pazdan . Plant a Tree

The Clemson Architectural Foundation in Genova, Italy will always remember the alumnus Joe Pazdan, who spent a semester at The Villa in 1983.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Joseph Pazdan . Plant a Tree

Our condolences on Joe’s passing. Your family are in our prayers.

Joe's kindness, generosity, energy, vision and passion have been an inspiration to me since meeting him over 20 years ago when I moved to Greenville. I know he will be very much missed by those closest to him. As I'm sure most already know, his spirit and legacy will always be present. I am thankful for the relationship and the example he set in all aspects of life. Thank you Joe for being the person you are and the Pazdan family for sharing him.

My sincere condolences to Johns family and coworkers. What a respectable and likeable man he was and what a difference he made in Greenville. It was always a pleasure to work with him on so many projects over the years. May god grant you peace.

All of us at McCrory Construction send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and coworkers of Joe. He was a wonderful man who helped to lead a great organization that we have always been proud to partner with. We humbly send our memorial to the YMCA of Greenville and from all of us here at McCrory, again our thoughts are with you and we pray for peace among you.

May this tree flourish the way Joseph Pazdan lived his life - with many branches!

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Joseph Pazdan . Plant a Tree

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

We thank God for blessing us to have Joe in our lives. My prayers coninue for the Pazden Family. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Joseph Pazdan . Plant a Tree

Prayers for Joe Pazdan and his family. Grateful for such an amazing person. Rest in Peace.
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A memorial tree was planted in memory of Joseph Pazdan . Plant a Tree

I will always remember Joe as a kindhearted, generous human being and a dynamic leader. He will truly be missed at MPS!

Dear Ginny and Marybeth, Your dear Joe is one of the nicest people we have ever met! You all are in our prayers.

My prayers and thoughts are with Joe's wife and family. I grew up near Joe's family when they lived in the North Main Street area of Greenville. We were a large Catholic family like the Pazdans. I remember that Joe had a drawing table in his room as a boy. I guess he knew at a young age what God was calling him to do with his life. Joe was also an altar boy at my wedding back in the 70s! I saw him several times over the years. He was a kind and friendly person and I know that he will be deeply missed by many.

I have worked for McMillan Pazdan Smith for almost 7 years and Joe was always kind. He will be missed by many.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Joseph Pazdan . Plant a Tree

With love, Sheri and Gary Pouch

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Joseph Pazdan . Plant a Tree

Sending love + prayers to the Pazdan + MPS families. We will miss Joe so much-it will be no small feat to celebrate the good he brought to this world.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Joseph Pazdan . Plant a Tree

Dear Ginny, John, Emilie and all of Joe’s beautiful family, We stand in admiration of the powerful Pazdan bonds Joe and each of you have brought to those around you. Joe’s positive attitude and strength—and yours in caring for him, and confronting his cancer, are inspirational and strengthening. Some of our favorite moments are captured best in Pazdan family smiles that teach without knowing it—from watching Joe and Brad as magical young talents design St. Mary’s and church facilities where we worship in beauty, to retina surgery facilities where Dr. Mike Antworth and his colleagues care for countless patients, to hearing Joe’s explanation of the benefits of long hair to Ginny, to seeing your children grow, to even sharing moments in St. Mary’s when Joe was on his knees in good times and tough times. John and Joe win the Heisman of brotherly love. Without saying a word, Joe’s actions are lasting not only in your revered family, which is a never ending legacy, but in the memories and hearts of countless people he touched by the power of his faith, love of you all and God, and his goodness. Requiescat in pace dear Joe-- please hug your mom and dad for us, Bryan and Diane Hickey

Thinking of all in the Pazdan family

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Joseph Pazdan . Plant a Tree

There are a few people that I readily became personally and professionally associated with after moving to SC, and Joe is at the top of the list. His calm demeanor and upbeat attitude made him a leader among leaders. It was my privilege to have known him.

Our condolences go out to Joe’s family and colleagues on the news of his passing. He was a good man, who was dedicated to the quality of education, the love of family and the value of friendship. He will be missed by so many. Chuck and Teresa Saylors

Dear Pazdan Family,Well always remember our friend Joe with much affection.With love from Genova, ItalySilvia, Mark and David Carroll

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Joseph Pazdan . Plant a Tree

Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Andy Clark, Jay White and Jennifer Charzewski

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Joseph Pazdan . Plant a Tree

We will always fondly remember how Joe and the whole Pazdan family warmly welcomed our family to Greenville in 1999. Joe had that unique special quality of really getting to know people, he was truly interested and caring. We were all so blessed to know him, Joe's love of life, family and his fellow man will remain an inspiring beacon of faith, hope and love for so many.

Joe was a special man and friend. His vision and appreciation for his friends, family and life were inspiring to everyone surrounding him. Although Joe was a professional colleague from day one of Pazdan-Smith, I will always treasure our time together running and riding bikes. It's hard to understand how you can get lost riding in a charity event with a few hundred other riders, but Joe and I were having such a great time talking, we missed a turn and rode an extra ten miles. A great memory for the both of us. It was a pleasure and privilege having Joe in our lives. Our prayers remain with all of the family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you Ginny! May God lift you up in your time of sorrow in remembering the good times and precious moments!

Ginny, Saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. PMS is great organization and have used them several times on major projects. Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. Ben

May the blessings of a good life lived follow you into heaven.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Joseph Pazdan . Plant a Tree

Our hearts ache for you.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Joseph Pazdan . Plant a Tree

By prayer I’m sending wishes for the family to give peace of mind to each other. Joe was so wonderful and generous to so many in our community. He was a good man!!! Will be missed but is smiling down on us From heaven!! God rest his soul and his memory be eternal!! Paula Howard- Casby
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Joe was one of the best and most extraordinary people I have known. He was a testament on how to live, how to serve, and how to inspire others. He was a blessing and his departure from this life will be hard felt by many.

Joe was a wonderful person. I enjoyed wonderful relationship and friendship with Joe and his entire family. Rest in peace. Prayers for the Pazdan Family.

Joe was a sweet soul and an enormously talented architect. He always wore a smile and had a kind word for all. We very much appreciated his work and our relationship with him. He will be missed by many in our industry, Tiger Nation and his friends at Crosland Southeast.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.