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Greenwich's Ivan Pavelic, 103, Olympic Swimmer

Ivan Pavelic, who was 103 years old and a Greenwich resident for six decades, died of natural causes Feb. 22. Pavelic was born in Zagreb in what is now Croatia.

By the age of 16, he was a member of Yugoslavia's Olympic swimming team and attended the 1924 Olympics in Paris. From 18 to 24, he played for the Yugoslavian National Soccer Team and also was a member of the National Tennis Team. He graduated from the University of Zagreb and also received his doctorate in law. Through his travels, Pavelic became fluent in five languages.

He practiced law in Zagreb. After World War II began, Pavelic moved to Switzerland and took up skiing. He met his wife Irene Gmur Pavelic in Switzerland and they moved to the United States in 1946. Pavelic formed an import and export company called Pavimpex Co. with his brother in New York, trading lead and copper.

After moving to Greenwich in 1951, Pavelic continued importing and exporting specialty gift items from Italy and Austria until his retirement in 1975. During his free time, he enjoyed classical music and Impressionist art.

He is survived son, Christopher Ivan Pavelic and daughter in law, Eugenie Jebb Marache Pavelic; and two grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Irene Gmur Pavelic; son Igor Pavelic; daughter Marina Pavelic Kanunaido; and five brothers and one sister.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. March 10 at Christ Church, 254 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich.

Did you know Ivan Pavelic? Leave a memory below.

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