Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

SBT – January 19, 2000

Joseph J. Pilarski

July 21, 1908 - Jan. 17, 2000

Joseph J. Pilarski, 91, of East Fairington Circle, South Bend, Ind., died at 12 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 17, in Hospice House.

Mr. Pilarski was born on July 21, 1908, in South Bend, and was a lifelong area resident. He was the son of Helen and Michael Pilarski, who preceded him in death.

He retired in 1971 from RACO, and was an Army veteran of World War II where he served for over 13 years. He was a staff sergeant and received an honorable discharge in 1946. During his tour of duty he served in the 23rd, 31st and the 337th infantries, and was awarded numerous medals of honor, including the Bronze Star. He was a member of American Legion Pulaski Post #357.

He was married on July 13, 1942, in Hattiesburg, Miss., to Louise Grobleben, who survives. He is also survived by a daughter, Sandra and son-in-law, Leonard McNulty of Clearwater, Fla.; a granddaughter, Shannon McNulty of Plano, Texas; a grandson, Quintin McNulty of Austin, Texas; three sisters, Helen Frame, Agnes Brainerd and Diane Haley, all of South Bend; and by two brothers, Richard Pilarski and Marion Pilarski, both of South Bend.

Family and friends may call from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday in the St. Joseph Funeral Home, 1827 E. Ireland Road.

Services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday in the Cathedral of St. Matthew, with burial to follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637-3437.