Stefo Pavlović
Mr Stefo Pavlović
Who was Stefo Pavlović?
Mr Stefo Pavlović was a 32 (thirty-two) year-old Croatian laborer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. As a third-class passenger, Pavlović was one of the many individuals seeking a better life in America when disaster struck.
Early Life and Background
Where did Stefo Pavlović come from?
Stefo Pavlović hailed from Vagovina, a small village that was part of the Austria-Hungarian Empire at the time and now forms part of modern-day Croatia. Born in 1880, Pavlović worked as a general laborer and was married with three children at the time of his fateful journey.
What was Pavlović’s family situation?
- Married to Manda Pavlović
- Father to three children
- Primary breadwinner for his family
The Titanic Journey
How did Pavlović prepare for his voyage?
To embark on his journey to a new life in America, Stefo Pavlović made careful preparations:
- Purchased a third-class ticket from agent Viktor Klaus-Wildi in Buchs
- Paid 299 Swiss francs for his passage (equivalent to £7 17s 11d)
- Received ticket number 349242
What was Pavlović’s destination?
Stefo Pavlović’s ultimate destination was Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he likely hoped to find work and eventually bring his family. This dream of a better life in America was shared by many of his fellow passengers in steerage.
The Fateful Night
On the night of April 14-15, 1912, Stefo Pavlović found himself caught in one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history. As a third-class passenger, his chances of survival were significantly lower than those in the upper classes.
Did Stefo Pavlović survive the Titanic disaster?
Tragically, Stefo Pavlović did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. He became one of the many victims of this terrible disaster, leaving behind a grieving family in Croatia.
The loss of Stefo Pavlović highlights the human cost of the Titanic tragedy, especially among third-class passengers who had the lowest survival rates.
Was Pavlović’s body recovered?
If Stefo Pavlović’s body was recovered from the icy Atlantic waters, it was never identified. This lack of closure was a common and heartbreaking outcome for many families of Titanic victims.
Legacy and Impact
How did the Titanic disaster affect Pavlović’s family?
The loss of Stefo Pavlović had a profound impact on his family:
- His widow, Manda Pavlović, was left to care for their three children alone
- The family received £120 from the Titanic relief fund to help with immediate needs
- Later, they claimed $50,000 in compensation for Stefo’s loss, highlighting the long-term financial impact of his death
Were there any connections to other passengers?
Interestingly, Stefo Pavlović may have been acquainted with Mara Osman, another passenger from his village who was traveling to the same region of Pennsylvania. This connection underscores the tight-knit communities that often traveled together in search of new opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Stefo Pavlović’s story is a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations that were cut short by the Titanic disaster. His journey from a small Croatian village to the ill-fated ship represents the hopes of countless immigrants seeking a better life, only to meet tragedy on the Atlantic crossing. While his life was cut short at 32 (thirty-two) years old, Pavlović’s memory lives on as part of the enduring narrative of the Titanic and its passengers.