Walter C. Pilarski Jr.

Walter Charles Pilarski Jr., 77, was born in North Tonawanda, NY on October 27, 1945 to Walter Charles Pilarski Sr. and Louise Kuczkowski. He met his beloved wife, Gloria (Piorkowski) in kindergarten and the two were married in 1970. They survived 53 years of blissful marriage and were blessed with four beautiful daughters.

Walter graduated from North Tonawanda High School and went on to attend the University of Buffalo. He then served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. It was during this service that he developed a lifelong passion for aviation.

Following his time in the military, Walter obtained his Aircraft Mechanics license from Burgard. He later earned a commercial pilots license and launched a business piloting aerial tours over Niagara Falls. Walter was a lifetime member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).

Walter had a long working career at companies such as Taylor Device, Carborundum, and the United States Post Office.

Walter was a fixer of all things and loved to study history. He enjoyed clipping and sending comic strips to his loved ones that humorously mirrored their lives.

He passed peacefully at his home in Ransomville, sitting in his chair beneath his favorite tree.

Walter is survived by his wife Gloria Pilarski (Piorkowski), his brother James Pilarski (Paula), daughters Colleen (Jefferey), Wendy (Ray), Renee (Richard), Diana (Simone) and grandchildren Max, Hailey, Nathaniel, Madison, Georgette, Buster, Zoe (and another on the way), brother-in-law Robert Piorkowski (Margaret), niece Jenny (Jeff) and nephew Nigel. Walter had numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Walter was preceded in death by his parents Walter Sr. and Louise, brother Robert (Fran), and niece Stella Usiak.

A visitation will be held at Hardison Funeral Homes Inc. 3648 Ransomville Rd. Ransomville on Monday, September 25th from 3 to 7 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Conception Church 4671 Townline Rd. Ransomville on Tuesday, September 26th at 9:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Tunnel to Towers Foundation, EAA, AOPA, or a charity of your choice. Please visit www.hardsionfuneralhomes.com