William Eugene Pilati

1925-2026

William Eugene Pilati, 100, of Minerva, passed away at Aultman Compassionate Care Center on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. After a very brief illness, he departed his earthly body and went to join the love of his life since he was 12 years old, his beloved wife Ruth.

William was born in Waynesburg, Ohio on May 21, 1925 to Louis and Terzilia (Bertolini) Pilati, who had both immigrated to America from present day Northern Italy, at the time an area known as Southern Tyrol. Mr. Pilati was blessed with a long life, large family, and great health. He remained active in his Church, his Minerva community, his Rotary Club, WWII Crew 1944, and with his Family right up to the time of his passing. Bill was loved, respected, and revered by those who knew him. And cherished beyond words by his five sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren and ALL that knew him.

William (Bill) Pilati enlisted in the U.S. Army November of 1943 and fought in the European Theater during World War II, attaining the rank of Tech Sergeant. Mr. Pilati was one of the last one half of a percent (.05%) of surviving veterans from this War for World Freedom, at the time of his death he was 1 of the 46,000-plus remaining vets of the over 16 million WWII Veterans who fought again the Axis Powers and Nazi Germany led by Adolph Hitler. He was a member of the 275th Armored Field Artillery assigned to an Armored Half Track that was equipped with 30 & 50 caliber machine guns while attached to the 1st Army. Arrived in France September 1944, he fought up through France and Belgium before settling in for the winter and preparing for a spring offensive, but as Bill always said “Hitler had other plans and on Dec. 16, 1944 the Germans attacked us and all Hell broke loose. The Battle of the Bulge started. This battle was fought with temperatures at 10 degrees below zero and a foot of snow on the ground. At this time, the 275th was attached to the 2nd Infantry Division and moved into the St. Vith area which was an area that experienced some of the most brutal and deadly days of the Bulge, but somehow with the grace of God and the courage of his fellow soldiers…Mr. Pilati survived the largest and most deadly battle in the history of the United States. Eventually in the coming months the US Victory in this bloody and deadly battle led to the Victory of the Allied Forces in WWII. One of Mr. Pilati’s favorite T-shirts read “if you can read this shirt thank a teacher, but if you can read it in English – Thank a Veteran” He wore this shirt to many Memorial Day Services.

Mr. Pilati believed deeply in honor, respect and thought you are never wrong to do the right thing. He was always there for his family, his neighbors, church members or anyone who needed you to do something for them. He was one of the kindest people to grace God’s world, always willing to help those in need. He was a Great Man. He was devoted to God. He was devoted to his Country and most of all he was devoted to his Family and took care of them always and no matter what.

Six days prior to his passing, Mr. Pilati was honored at a Gala Ball organized by Crew 1944 honoring seven World War II Veterans, where he was a guest of honor who dazzled those in attendance with his charm, intelligence, appearance and overall ability to converse about the trials and tribulations of fighting for our country’s and the world’s freedom. It was an amazing night for Bill as he worked the room of over 280 people like he was running for mayor and was dressed like a state senator. Bill thought it was important to keep the younger generations informed of WWII and its historic significance and frequently spoke at meetings, dinners, Memorial Day services, and various gatherings that requested his presence and historic knowledge of the past, especially WWII. The evening was truly a blessing from God to Bill – one last time, before being blessed with his entrance to Heaven to all those (especially his dear wife Ruth) who are now asking him “What took you so long to get here?”

Mr. Pilati never missed attending not one, but two Memorial Days services each Memorial Day in the last several years taking time to remember and honor those great American Veterans who had gone before him.

After his military service, William embarked on a successful 40-plus year career as a Sales Manager with the Metropolitan Brick Company and the Darlington Brick Company, where he was known for his professionalism and commitment. Mr. Pilati was extremely knowledgeable when it came to all aspects of the brick business, following in the footsteps of his father who also worked in two area brickyards after he arrived in America. Bill knew brick and could still to this day drive by a building and tell you where the brick was manufactured, what the name of that brick was, and also tell you the raw materials that went into making it. He remembered everything.

Beyond his professional endeavors, William was deeply involved in his community. He was the 2004 Minerva Man of the Year by unanimous choice. He was an active member of the Minerva Rotary Club for 60-plus years where he worked tirelessly to support local initiatives.

His faith was central to his life. He was a very active member of the Minerva St. Gabriel Catholic Church for 70 years where he served as Eucharistic Minister and Lecter. He also served on the Parish Council for many years having served also as Parish Council President. He was co-chairman of the building committee of the current Catholic Church in Minerva; a building Bill was very proud of and the same building from which he will receive his final and glorious send off to heaven.

William loved his community and loved to serve his community. William’s dedication extended to various civic engagements, including serving on the Minerva Public Library Board of Trustees and the Minerva Zoning Board of Appeals. He was also a committed advocate for education, participating in the Minerva Local Schools Levy Committee to ensure that the educational needs of the community were met. His passion for athletics was evident in his involvement with the Minerva Athletic Booster Club, where he supported local athletes and athletic programs.

Throughout his life, William exemplified the values of service, integrity, and community spirit. His contributions have left an indelible mark on all who knew him, and his legacy will live forever. All that knew him were amazed by his sharp mind, great appearance, and overall ability to be the great person he was. He was loved by so many.

His legacy will be cherished by those who survive: five sons: James (Linda) of Melber, Ky., William (Nori) of Vienna, Richard (Cathy) of East Rochester, John (Cindy) of Minerva and Dave (Diane) of Canton; grandchildren: Merry Ellen (Lynn) Pridgen, Karen (Chris) Neese, Leah (Jon) Moffett, Kelsey (Justin) Willis, Louis (Raven) Pilati, Dylan (Hayley) Vance, Jesse (Telse) Pilati, Nick Hoagland, Kristen Smith, Siena Pilati, and Alec Pilati; great-grandchildren: Leigh, Jackson, Taytum, Cameron, Calvin, Brandon, Kyla, and Hunter; and great-great-grandchildren: Ava and Tatum. Bill was so proud of his family.

In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by his step-mother, Agnes Pilati; his wife, Ruth Anne Bricker Pilati; and a great-grandson, Andy Harris.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 400 W. High St., Minerva, Ohio, on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 at 11 a.m. with Celebrant Fr. Victor Cinson. Burial will follow at East Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m.; and again on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Gabriel Catholic Church. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 8 p.m. on Thursday. A dinner will be held after the funeral services on Friday and all are encouraged and invited to attend to spend time with each other sharing their love for Bill.

Bill always said “REMEMBER……respect the Flag of the Great United States of America……This is the Best Country in the world, be Proud to be an American.”

And when people asked (including two days prior to his passing) what is your secret to living such a long and blessed life………….MR. PILATI SAID: STAY CLOSE TO GOD, BE GOOD TO YOUR NEIGHBORS, AND LOVE YOUR FAMILY.

Friends and family may express their condolences on our website: www.bartleyfuneralhome.com.

1/27/26