Paul E. Pilarski
Paul E. Pilarski, age 54, of Countryside; loving brother of Paulette (Canuto) Pilarski-Puga, Pamela Pilarski-Kegaly, Colette (James) Ruich, Vivien (Larry) O’Connor, & the late Edward Pilarski. Dear uncle of Kevin (Siobhan) Lynch, Melissa (Joseph) Michalski, Robert (Jessica) Zimmermann, Michelle (fiancé Eric Madera) Zimmermann, Jessica Zimmermann, John Kegaly III. Greatest-uncle to Edward Michalski, Jase Zimmermann, Clare Lynch, Allison Morgan, Ethan Lynch, and Emily Zimmermann. Preceded in death by his loving parents Edmund & Vivian Pilarski.
Born in Chicago, Paul attended Blessed Agnes school after moving to Countryside, he attended and graduated from PleasantDale School, class of 1981, and Lyons Township High School, class of 1985. He played baseball from a young age and was once told by The Great Bill Veeck, “come and see me when you’re 18, kid”. He was a Union Carpenter, and a member of Ducks Unlimited and the Northern Illinois Waterfowlers Association, Illinois Duck and Goose Alliance. From a very young age, Pops shared his love of hunting and fishing with the “boys” which was eventually shared with Paul’s nieces and nephews. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, deer hunting in Lacon, at Charlie’s farm, goose and duck hunting in Braidwood and fishing on many lakes and rivers from here to Canada. Of all his great adventures, one of his greatest passions was racing at Sante Fe Speedway where he claimed the name, Polar Bear. He was a driver for demolition teams; Rude Awakening and Mean Green Machine and ran two demolition teams at the Joliet Speedway. He took many young men under his wing and taught them everything he knew about the track, the cars, and life. He was a father figure to many and a great friend dedicated to his Speedway family. He had many true friends, from the Speedway that he loved dearly. As he often said to them, “I love you brother.”
Paul will most fondly be remembered for his heart of gold. He gave unconditionally, he would help anyone that needed help, even a stranger. Let’s not forget the amazing Fourth of July parties, where he would go above and beyond to make sure everyone had a great time. The most unforgettable party was the New Year’s 2000 millennium celebration. He loved his family with every bit of his heart and soul. He was a devoted Uncle beyond measure, giving his love to his nieces and nephews when they needed it the most. He had a lot of life experiences that he shared with them, most importantly instilling in them, that no matter what, family comes first. A loving and kind brother to his four sisters. He was a loving son that took very good care of his parents when they were ill. He will be deeply missed, he gave us memories to cherish forever, his smirking grin, his laugh, his great sense of humor, his nick names he gave people, his pure heart of gold always willing to help and expecting nothing in return. He is at home, he is at rest, he is at peace. We love you Paul, our hearts are so heavy. Until we see you again, Godspeed Brother. See you on the flip side.
Visitation 3 to 9pm on Thursday, February 25 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Maximum 50 guests admitted into funeral home at a time. Social distancing guidelines in place; masks required. Funeral prayers 9:15am on Friday, February 26 from Hallowell & James Funeral Home to St. Cletus Church, 600 W. 55th St., LaGrange for 10am Mass. All guests must register to attend Mass at the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/funeral-pilarski Interment will be at a later date.
Paul, you were loved, and beloved! I know your entire family has a gaping hole in their lives. I remember our mixed family gatherings at Ronnie and Marie’s house and always thought of you as just another cousin. Imagine my shock when I was old enough to know we weren’t actually related. Anyway, my thoughts and prayers are with your family, especially your sisters as they miss you! 💗🙏
DEAREST COUSIN PAUL,
YOU ARE TRUELY LOVED AND WILL BE MISSED. YOU
AND A YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
ALWAYS, CHRISTY
That was beautiful and well deserved rest in peace and thank you for writing that whoever did it
Let s not forget the Cubs/Sox rivalry with relatives and his love for the White Sox Blackhawk and Bears.
REST IN HEAVEN GOOD MAN….YOU WILL BE TRULY MISSED….
This is the kindest man and friend anybody could have. I have the best childhood memories with Paul. I was able to spend time with him at the racetrack a few years ago. Paul has also touched my life in ways I can’t describe. It was my blessing to have known him. Rest in peace Paul
Paul,
Angels are students in heaven and teachers on earth. They may not come when u call them but they’ll always be there when u need them. I hope I was as good of a friend to u as u were to me. You will be truly missed by many.
Again I say” I was not done with you being my friend. ”
Till we see you again..
Best friends for life Lisa “Lis”
Paul I enjoyed our conversations over the years..You really were a nice caring man. You will be missed my friend…🥀..
My heart goes out to all of Paul’s family,friends..
R.I.P. my friend. 😌
Marcine Barnes
I love you Uncle Paul . Thank you for being a strong father like figure in my life. Grandma and Grandpa’s house was a refuge and you always were there for us. I will miss your laugh, smile and hospitality. You would do anything for us. Thank you for the Fourth of July parties, wisdom, love and love for your family. You are gone too soon. Now you are a Free Bird! See you on the flip side Polar Bear!!!
Love,
Melissa aka Marsha
It feels so wrong that you have to say good bye to Paul. Losing the one you live is so difficult. We wish you smiles between the tears as you remember happy times with him.
Love Gary and Sherry
Marie & Marty Hefler give our CONDELENCES to THE FAMILY OF PAUL PILARSKI. We have great memories of talking with Paul
& we know he had such a LOVE OF THE OUTDOORS. HE SURELY LOVED HUNTING, FISHING, CAR RACING & WAS SUCH A GREAT
CARPENTER BY BUILDING A 2 STORY LAWN & TRACTOR GARAGE WHEN OUR BROTHER ED ALSO BUILT ONE ON OUR PREMISES.
Paul & our brother Ed were construction brothers because Paul was a carpenter & our brother Ed was a plumber.
Marie & I Marty appreciated when Paul helped us catch a stray domestic black bunny. We then brought it to CATNAP IN LAGRANGE PARK FOR ADOPTION. WE CALLED HIM SCOOTER. Paul you are FOREVER IN OUR MEMORIES & WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
We morn the lost of Paul but we find solace that he is with those we have lost before him. Our deepest sympathy to the Pularski family and friends.
Paul I’m sorry I wasn’t there to say good by but in our own way I’m sure you know . We never saw each other on a regular basis or talked often but we were lucky to share our birthdays on the same day. That one day every year there was alway a warm heart felt Happy Birthday! I’m gonna miss the greeting on Facebook but there will alway be a warm thought and a happy birthday sent up your way I’m gonna miss that see you later neighbor