ROCKLAND — Frank Joseph Pavalkis III died peacefully Oct. 31, 2015, surrounded by his family and friends, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport, following a courageous fight with cancer.

Frank was born May 16, 1952, in Newark, N.J., and spent his childhood in North Caldwell, N.J. He was a graduate of Staunton Military Academy in Virginia. In 1975, Frank married Anne McKane, the love of his life. Three years later, the young couple moved to Rockland. There, Frank enjoyed working for John Tooley, Lucas Tree, and on the schooners J&E Riggin and Victory Chimes.

Knowing he wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, Frank attended the University of Maine at Augusta, earning his associate's degree in medical laboratory technology. As a medical lab technician, he worked at Redington-Fairview General and Maine General hospitals. Looking to further his education, Frank was accepted into the Yale University Physician Assistant program. He graduated in 1990 and practiced at St. Raphael's and Yale University hospitals. While at Yale University, he contributed to several research studies in the neurology department, taking great pride in co-authoring numerous published studies.

Shortly after the birth of his second child, he and his family moved back to Maine. Frank worked the next 22 years as a physician assistant within the psychiatry department at Togus Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He was also an adjunct professor at the University of New England. Frank genuinely loved teaching the students of UNE and serving the veterans of Maine.

An enthusiastic and continuous learner, Frank was an avid reader and loved all life, studying everything from the mighty moose to European history to tai chi. He also drew great pleasure from canoeing, fishing, hunting and traveling. Whether he was catching a brook trout or hiking the Appalachian Trail, he was truly at ease in the outdoors. This passion was exemplified in the time and effort he and Anne put into planning a wide variety of family adventures and excursions, both locally and throughout the United States and Canada.

He was predeceased by his beloved dog, Jolie. They were inseparable until her final days, one month before his passing.

Frank is survived by his wife, Anne McKane Pavalkis; his son, Frank Jay Pavalkis; and his daughter, Jane Ellen Pavalkis.

A celebration of Frank's life will be held Sunday, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 132 Camden St. in Rockport.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bob Gagnon Cancer Care Fund, c/o Pen Bay Healthcare Foundation, 22 White Street, Rockland, ME 04841.

The Pavalkis family is being assisted by Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.