Pavel Starosielski, 81, of Holland Township, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 31, 2026 surrounded by his loved ones.  Born on January 2, 1945, in Gleina, Germany, Pavel entered the world in a work camp during a very difficult period in history.  Pavel was of Belarusian heritage and carried a deep appreciation for his family's history and roots throughout his life. In 1950, he immigrated with his family to New York City, and in 1952, they settled in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he spent his childhood and formative years and earned the nickname “The Mad Russian”.  Pavel later made his home in Westfield, Massachusetts, where he raised his family and built a life centered on hard work, learning, and devotion to those he loved.  Several years ago, he moved to Holland Township, New Jersey.

Pavel honorably served his country in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he pursued his education and earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree from Western New England College. He enjoyed a distinguished career as an electrical engineer, working for several prominent companies throughout his professional life. He served as a Senior Electrical Engineer for BASF in Peekskill, New York. Prior to that, he dedicated more than twenty years to Monsanto Chemical Company in Chicopee, Massachusetts.  His intelligence, technical expertise, and strong work ethic earned him the respect of colleagues and friends alike.

Outside of his career, Pavel found great enjoyment in fishing, especially with his children when they were young, loved dancing, and was a great storyteller.  He was known for his ability to fix almost anything, a true handyman, he took pride in solving problems and helping others with projects both large and small. He was generous with his time and talents, always willing to lend a hand when needed.  

Above all, Pavel was devoted to his family. He found great fulfillment in sharing his knowledge and teaching others. Whether offering practical advice, explaining how something worked, or helping a loved one learn a new skill, he approached teaching with patience and enthusiasm. His family will remember him as a hardworking, caring, and dependable man whose wisdom and guidance enriched their lives.

Pavel's legacy lives on through the family he cherished and the many lives he touched through his kindness, knowledge, and willingness to help others. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Son of the late Julian and Anastasia (Hasak) Starosielski, Pavel is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 57 years, Darlene A. (Gibson) Starosielski, his daughter Larissa Irrera, his son Eric Starosielski and his wife Amita and her sister Shaley and brother-in-law Rakesh, his brother Sergei Starosielski and his wife Primela, his sister Marianna Starosielski, and his five grandchildren Siena, Nyla, Nikhil, Anika, and Eeshan.  He was predeceased by his son-in-law Michael Irrera, his sister Irene Heroux and her husband Joseph F. Heroux, and best friend George Korczyk.

The family will receive relatives and friends for a visitation on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 10-11 AM at the Johnson-Walton Funeral Home, 24 Church Road, Holland Township, NJ.  A Russian Orthodox Prayer Service will follow at 11 AM.  Interment, with military honors, will follow at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, PA.  

Pavel deeply valued his time in the service and memorial contributions may be made to organizations that support veterans.