John J. Pilch

John J. Pilch, 82
Ware - John J. "Jack" Pilch died Monday, April 7, 2025, 51 years to the day after his beloved mom, following a long illness. He was one week shy of his 83rd birthday, having been born in Ware on April 14, 1942, to John S. Pilch and Mary (Bigda) Pilch.
He leaves his devoted wife of 60 years, Lucille (Cloutier) Pilch, his cherished children - Chrissie (and Tony) Mancini of Avon, CT, Johnny Pilch of Ware, and Patti (and Bill) Munroe of Los Altos, CA, and his adored grandchildren, Kyra Munroe of Berkeley, CA, and Jake Munroe of Los Altos, CA. He also leaves his siblings, Mariann Robertson of Medway, MA and David (and Ellen) Pilch of Ware.
Jack worked his entire career at the former Ware Machine Works, which had been started by his father, eventually becoming its President before his retirement in 2005.
He loved NASCAR, old country music, old Westerns, and food; and his family woke up most Sunday mornings to the smell of bacon and the sound of polkas. His son made sure that the last music he heard was polkas and Johnny Cash.
When he retired, he decided to start cooking the evening meal, and he spent his early mornings in Wal-Mart and Big Y, shopping for what he would make. He became a very good cook, constantly tweaking his recipes.
He was an active member of the Swift River Sportsman Club for many decades, and everybody who attended a clambake there until about 10 years ago enjoyed his "secret recipe" clam chowder. He was also a lifelong member of Club 12 and a member of the Hardwick Rod and Gun Club.
Jack was happiest outdoors, and he loved operating the backhoes and loaders that his company manufactured. He was an avid hunter and ice fisherman, and venison was a staple on the menu at his home. He also enjoyed working his land, and he cut several dozen cords of wood annually to heat his house and to give to family, friends, and the machine shop. He was proud of his vegetable garden and maintained that until he was no longer able to do so.
He always had a well-loved and spoiled dog by his side, and his family members often commented that they'd like to come back as one of his pups. It was a great source of disappointment when he lost his last one and was too ill to get another.
Jack was a devoted and loyal friend. An introvert, he was never the life of the party, but he stood by his friends and would do anything they needed. He was the first to volunteer whenever a friend or family member had a project.
He was also the king of nicknames. If you were close to him, you had one, or two, or more.
The loss of Jack is deeply felt by those who love him. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the dog rescue of your choice. There will be a private service for immediate family only.
Charbonneau Funeral Home is assisting his family with his arrangements. An online tribute page is available at charbonneaufh.com