Thomas Joseph "Tom" Pilarski

Thomas Joseph Pilarski, aka Tom, Brother, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Cousin, and retired Cold War Navy Veteran, passed away in Longmont, Colorado, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Strong and independent throughout his life, though his health was in decline for many years, he stood by his decision to remain in home with his beloved dogs Bobo and Lady Bug as he faced his last days.

Thomas was born to parents Jerome Dennis Pilarski and Virginia Lee (Hawkins) Pilarski, on May 21, 1952, in Elmhurst, Illinois. Thomas graduated from St. Irene's Catholic School in Warrenville, Illinois in 1966; and graduated (studying his senior year in Denver) from Wheaton-Warrenville South High School in 1970.

Tom joined the Navy a year or two out of high school and began his career as a Submarine Officer aboard a nuclear-powered submarine, managing the intricacies between teaching soldiers in foreign lands, and driving the vessel through the depths of the sea. Seafaring during the Cold War took a lot of courage. Every decision was in response to his orders, not knowing if it was just a drill, or a real time war event. It was his job to manage his team and help keep his missions on track.

Tom loved to talk about the beauty of underworld sea life; how alive, how beautiful; the resonance of the myriad tones and hubbub of what was for Tom, a universe he became at one with in every mission.

Thomas was predeceased by his parents, Virginia (Hawkins) and Jerome (Jerry) Pilarski; his wife, Jody (Nebe) and son TJ.; and by granddaughter, Andora Pilarski-Heacock (dod 1/3/17 - 8 mos and 23 days); and brother-in-law, Steve Newman. Thomas is survived by his daughter, Heidi (Pilarski) Pecoraro and son-in-law Shannon and their daughter Evie; and by his daughter, Heather Pilarski and son-in-law, Johnathan Heacock and their children; grandson, Marek Pilarski-Heacock and granddaughter, Kyleigh Pilarski-Heacock. Thomas is also survived by his childrens' mother, Mary (Schlarman) Pilarski; sister Karalee (Pilarski) Hawkins; and sister, Patricia (Pilarski) Morgan and brother-in-law, Thomas; along with their families.

The Tabor-Rice Funeral Home in Brighton, Colorado, who has been overseeing Tom's arrangements, will also have an obituary listed in the next couple weeks. Details regarding the memorial service will be updated in the months ahead; allowing friends and family to pay their respects and celebrate Tom's life. We will be gathering at one of his cousin's homes in the St. Louis metro area, next Spring, date and time to be announced January 2025.