Photo provided by McMillan Pazdan Smith

Joseph Martin Pazdan II, founding principal of McMillan Pazdan Smith Architects, died on April 28 following a two-year-long battle with cancer, according to an obituary by Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes.

He was 62 years old.

On June 4, 1960, Pazdan was born in Greenville to the late Joseph John and Allie Haywood Pazdan.

He was a graduate of Clemson University and remained involved with the college’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.

Pazdan served as an architect for more than 30 years. He worked with JE Sirrine Company in Greenville and in 1993, he and his college design friend Brad Smith branched out on their own and started the design firm Pazdan Smith Group. Since its founding, the firm, now known as McMillan Pazdan Smith Architects, has more than 330 professionals and eight offices in the Carolinas and Georgia.

“Joe Pazdan’s inspiring presence will be deeply missed,” said Smith, founding principal of McMillan Pazdan Smith. “We have all benefitted from his caring and guiding leadership at McMillan Pazdan Smith. His friendship, mentorship and service to countless others across the communities he loved is a legacy of service we will continue to embody in our culture as a community-based firm.”

Pazdan was involved with a variety of civic boards and organizations throughout Greenville such as the Metro YMCA, United Way, March of Dimes, Greenville Technical College and Greenville Chamber of Commerce. He also served in management roles for the Urban Land Institute.

“Joe was the very definition of generational leadership,” said Greenville Mayor Knox White. “He intensely loved his family, friends and community. The city really was his canvas for changing and shaping so much of the Greenville we know today.”

Pazdan is survived by his wife of 36 years, Ginny Piper Pazdan; children Virginia Pazdan Powers (Thomas), Allie Caroline Pazdan (Jesse) and Joseph Martin Pazdan III; grandchildren Virginia Avery Powers, William Thomas Powers and Mary Haywood Powers; sisters Dr. Judy Lytle (Bob), Mary Beth Cross (Doug) and Donna Friedman (Randy); brother John Pazdan (Emilie); and a number of nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be held on May 2 at noon at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Pazdan’s family will also hold a celebration of his life on May 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the home of Emilie and John Pazdan, 109 Lowood Lane, Greenville, SC 29605.

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