John B. Pillarelli

John B. Pillarelli, 89 years, a lifelong resident of Monroe, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at Wellspring Lutheran Services in Monroe with his loving family at his side. Born February 3, 1929 in Monroe, John was the son of the late Nick A. and Vittoria (Julien) Pillarelli. On October 1, 1949 John married his beloved wife, the former Margaret Ann Schneider at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Monroe. Fr. Fedewa performed the ceremony. John was employed as the Chief Surveyor for the City of Monroe from which he retired in 1991 after 33 years of service. Prior to his employment for the city, John owned and operated a Town Club Pop distributorship. John was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, Monroe Council #1266. He was a former member of the Monroe Golf and Country Club and Green Meadows Golf Course. John was an accomplished athlete, he enjoyed playing fast pitch softball, volleyball, golfing with friends, and bowling for Nortel Lanes in several leagues. John umpired softball games for many years and enjoyed watching sports. He was a Michigan Wolverine fan. John was also a craftsman and enjoyed building homes and woodworking. He crafted many wooden mangers and bird houses. John will be remembered as a kind and gentle man who enjoyed time spent with family, especially his grandchildren. John is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Margaret, three loving children; Katherine A. Volpi of Toledo, OH, Teresa M. (Tom) Graham of Monroe and John J. Pillarelli of Monroe, six cherished grandchildren; Anthony (Melissa) Volpi, Jr., Matthew R. Volpi, Ryan W. Pillarelli, Carli K. Pillarelli, Stephen T. Graham, and Mallory M. Graham, and three treasured great grandchildren; Kennedy Volpi, Blaise Volpi and Grace Pillarelli. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by five brothers; Dominic, Nicholas, Alfred, Gene, and Anthony, and two sisters; Julia and Lena. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 3-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161where a scripture service will be held that evening at 6:00 PM. On Friday, January 25, 2019 he will lie in state at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church from 9:30 am until Mass of the Resurrection celebrating his life at 10:30 am. John’s nephew, Fr. Al Pillarelli, will officiate. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe. Memorial Contributions are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice.

John B. Pillarelli

February 3, 1929 - January 20, 2019