Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

 SBT – December 2, 2002

William A. Pilarski

May 28, 1943 - Nov. 28, 2002

William A. "Bill" Pilarski, 59, of South Bend, IN., passed away at 11:48 a.m. Thursday, November 28, 2002, in Our Lady of Peace Hospital, South Bend.

Mr. Pilarski was born on May 28, 1943 in South Bend, to Raymond C. and Evelyn V. (Jablonski) Pilarski, who both preceded him in death. He retired from Ferguson Enterprises. On April 7, 1995 in South Bend, he married Barbara J. Chmiel who survives. Also surviving are two stepdaughters, Melanie J. (David) Artibani of South Bend and Amy D. Carr of Fort Wayne, Ind.; two stepsons, Vincent D. Luberts of Mishawaka, Ind., and Derek C. Carr of Sacramento, Calif., and by two brothers, Richard R. (Alice) Pilarski of Fort Wayne, Ind., and David A. Pilarski of South Bend. He was preceded in death by his longtime companion, Patricia A. Luberts.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 3, 2002 in St. Pius X Catholic Church. Cremation will take place with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery at a later date.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive where a parish vigil will take place at 7 p.m. and for one hour prior to services on Tuesday in St. Pius X Catholic Church.

Mr. Pilarski was a member of St. Pius X Parish, P.N.A. #83, St. Joseph Young Men's Society, and the Teamsters #364. He served in the Marine Corps Reserve, was an avid football fan, and a loving "Family Man". Memorial contributions may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 1440 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60607.

We little knew that morning that God

was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly,

In death we do the same. It broke

Our hearts to lose you, you did not go

Alone; for part of us went with you,

The day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories,

Your love is still our guide;

And though we cannot see you,

You are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,

And nothing seems the same;

But as God calls us

One by one, The chain

Will link again.