Anthony Pillarelli

Anthony J. Pillarelli, age 83, died in his home on Sunday, September 6, 2009 surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Heartland Hospice, after suffering 3 years with Lewy Body Dementia. He was born July 17, 1926 in Monroe, MI the son of the late Nicolangelo and Vittoria (Giuliano) Pillarelli. He attended Monroe High School and received his GED from there in 1959. He also attended many Sr. Adult Education Classes. He served in the U.S. Army from October 1944 to December 1946, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He saw action in the Philippines and in Okinawa. Mr. Pillarelli married Barbara Oliver on October 3, 1953 at First Presbyterian Church in Monroe. He is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years, son Mark (Patricia) of Grovetown, GA; and daughters, Karen (Fred) Essary and Ann Pillarelli of Monroe. Grandchildren: Christopher Essary, Casey (Sara) Essary, Kelli Essary, Rachelle Pillarelli, Andrew Pillarelli, Lynsey Pillarelli, Jenny Pillarelli and Cory Hunley. 1 great granddaughter; Emily Nicole Essary. Brothers: Alfred (Dorothy) Pillarelli, Gene (Marge) Pillarelli, and John (Margaret) Pillarelli all of Monroe. Sisters-in-law: Louise Pillarelli and Mary Pillarelli of Monroe and Mary Lou Zarend of Toledo, OH; Brothers-in-law Ralph (Connie) Oliver of Orlando, FL, James (Kathleen) Oliver of Middleville, MI and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers Dominic and Nicholas; sisters and brothers-in-law Julia (Laurence) Dorazio and Lena (Sam) Camilli. He retired in 1988 from the U.S. Postal Service, Monroe branch. Prior to that he had worked for Consolidated Paper Co. and Monroe Auto Equipment Co. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Monroe where he was a Deacon and had served many years as an usher. He was also a member of Monroe Sr. Center. Mr. Pillarelli was an accomplished accordionist and played many years with the Al Shippey Orchestra and also with The Keynotes. He enjoyed building, remodeling, gardening, traveling, playing cards and spending time with family. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 1-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home. He will lie in state in the First Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 from 10:00 AM until funeral services celebrating his life at 11:00 AM. The Revs. Dean and Ellen McGormley will officiate. Entombment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park where the V.F.W. Post 1138 will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church’s Community Meal Fund or Heartland Hospice, 3840 Packard, Ste. 260 Ann Arbor, MI 48108