Frank M. Pilarz

Frank M. Pilarz 

March 20, 1944- Sept 02, 2019

It is with great sadness, the family of Frank M. Pilarz announces his passing on September 02, 2019 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Frank was born March 20, 1944 in Gallitzin, the son of Frank and Helen (Pastewski) Pilarz-Clay. Frank was a selfless, intelligent, extraordinary man impacting the lives of many. He was a 1962 graduate of Greater Gallitzin High school and a 1966 graduate of Saint Francis College. After his graduation from Saint Francis, Frank proudly served in the United States Air Force and was a Vietnam Veteran. Frank made a career of helping others through various positions he held for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, retiring from the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home, where he served as the Director of Activities. Left to mourn and forever cherish his wonderful legacy are many friends and family. Frank treasured countless, beautiful memories of time spent with the true love of his life and life partner, Louise Kline of Carrolltown.  Frank was the beloved brother of Beverly (Ed) Muriceak-Cresson, Mary Smith (Bob)-Fort Myers, Florida, and Tom (Anahi) Pilarz- Rockville, Maryland. He was the proud and loving uncle of Shawn (Lisa), Emily and Stephen Smith- Severna Park, Maryland, Edward J. (Patty), Edward J. Jr., and Sara Muriceak- Cresson, Teddy and Tommy Pilarz- Rockville Maryland, Andrea Muriceak and Nikolas Suckinos- Cresson. Through his death, Frank will now be reunited with his beloved parents, infant nephew, Edward W. Muriceak Jr., and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Frank was involved in his local community, continually giving freely of his time, serving on several committees which included, Tunnelhill- Gallitzin Improved Housing Inc. Emerald Estates, where he served as First Vice President, Gallitzin Sewer Authority, and Judge of Elections Cambria County- Tunnelhill Borough. He also was a lifetime member of the Gallitzin American Legion Post # 174 and Ashville VFW, as well as serving as Past Commander of the Gallitzin VFW. He was a member of the Gallitzin Moose Lodge # 185, where he served as Prelate and Past Treasurer. Frank also was an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus. Proud of his Polish heritage, Frank was a member of the Polish National Alliance and the Polish Roman Catholic Union.  Frank was a member of the former Saint Mary Parish and Saint Demetrius Parish. There, he was an active member assisting with various roles including, past Director of the Saint Mary Men’s Choir, member of Saint Demetrius Finance Council. He also served as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and Altar Server. Frank was an avid Penn State fan and helped orchestrate tailgates that were second to none. Frank would not want sorrow and sadness with his passing but rather, a celebration for a life well lived. Therefore, on a Fall Saturday afternoon raise a glass, chanting, “WE ARE...PENN STATE!”  and have a drink in his honor. Frank was very blessed and fortunate to have many great friends who provided so much love, encouragement, and support during his journey, and for this his family will be forever grateful. Frank was a wonderful man full of kindness. He will be missed by all who knew him. In his memory, his family requests, “Carry out a random act of kindness with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” At the request of the deceased, there will be no public viewing. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 11 AM Saint Demetrius Catholic Church, Gallitzin, the Rev. Albert Ledoux celebrant. Committal Saint Mary Cemetery- Graveside military rights by Gallitzin American Legion, Ashville VFW and other local military organizations. In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s memory may be made to Saint Demetrius Church or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Gibbons Funeral Home, 301 Church Street, Gallitzin. gibbonsfunerals.com 

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