George Pillis Obituary

George Pillis, 91, of Salem, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, May 12, 2011. He was born on May 23, 1919, to the late John H. and Katherine Kunes Pillis. Mr. Pillis was the founder and owner of Pillis Brothers Service Station; established in 1942, located in Salem, where he ran the operation for 67 years. He was also a former member and president of the Virginia Gasoline Retailers Association. Including his faithfulness to his business and prior memberships, he will be remembered as well as a founding and faithful member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Salem, as well as a previous member of The Knights of Columbus. In addition to his parents, Mr. Pillis was preceded in death by seven brothers, William, John, Elmer, Woodrow, Benjamin, Edward, and Mark Pillis. Surviving him include his wife, Emma Pillis; sons, David Pillis and wife, Beckie, Sherman Pillis and wife, Julia, and Steve Pillis and wife, Robin; daughter, Carolyn Pillis and husband, Richard Howard; brothers, Luke and Andrew Pillis; sister, Cely Galligan; grandchildren, Cassie PillisGent, Robert Pillis, Clare Peters, Amanda Pillis, Drew Kiracofe, Jacob Pillis, and Zachary Pillis; greatgrandchildren, Olivia Pillis and Garrett Gent; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 16, 2011, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help with Father Kevin Segerblom officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park, Roanoke. The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 15, 2011, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church or to the Salem Animal Shelter. Friends wishing to offer their condolences to the family may do so online by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.

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Published by Roanoke Times from May 14 to May 15, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for George Pillis

14 Entries

Peter Mullen

May 23, 2011

The Mullen family has fond memories of Mr. Pillis and the family through his business and at OLPH since we moved to Salem in 1990. The donation boxes in the front window are a testament to his caring community spirit and generosity. A friend to everyone. What a special, gentle man. What a legacy.

Celi Stoutamire

May 18, 2011

My memories of George Pillis go back many years when my mother, Evelyn Zini, would never think of taking her car anywhere else than to Pillis Brothers. George and Andy were so kind to her, and that tradition has continued with Steve and other members of the Pillis family. I would never think of taking my car anywhere else! Love and Sympathy from Celi (Zini) Stoutamire and family.

Ron Myers Julie Wilburn

May 18, 2011

Steve and Robin, It was a pleasure to know your father. He had a way of making you laugh and always had a word of advise to share. He was old school and what Salem is all about. Our prayers are with you.

Sam and Nancy Pillis

May 17, 2011

Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of you at this time. What a kind man George was...he will be missed. So sorry we could not be with all of you.

Greg Gallion

May 17, 2011

Steve and Robin,
I pray time and good memories of Mr. Pillis will help you through this dark time. He was the kind of man that made a difference by the way he lived his life, and the way he worked for others. Our community is going to miss him. Many of us have good memories of times spent around the station, and the simpler times we grew up with then.

Ted and Sharon Ouimette

May 16, 2011

Dave, we are so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. We got the email from Mary Jo this morning. He started the business the year I was born, I knew he would make a good run of it as 1942 was an good year for excellent undertakings. See you at some camping events this year. Ted and Sharon Ouimette

Tom Cain

May 16, 2011

Steve, Hard to believe its been 36 years since high school. I remember your folks coming to our football games and our track meets. Just wanted to pay my respect and offer my condolences. I lost my dad several years ago. I know how much it hurts. May all the memories give you and your family strength.

Sara Gubala

May 15, 2011

I am thinking and praying for you all during this difficult time. I have so many fond memories of Mr. Pillis both at church, at his shop and of course at his grandkids homes. What an amazing man he was, such an awesome Catholic, businessman and friend. My thought and prayers go out to you all. His memories will certainly live on in the hearts and minds of many.

May 15, 2011

Sherman and Julia,sorry to read of the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.May find comfort through God's grace during this difficult time. Lester Thompson and Rhonda

Greg and Joan Pillis

May 14, 2011

Our condolences. I've had many fond memories of George from the Pillis reunions to Christmas gathering. He'll be missed and remembered always.

May 14, 2011

Our condolences to your family. So sorry to hear of Mr. Pillis' passing. His legacy will be the wonderful service and honest and helpful business he provided to so many Salem residents. We are loyal customers and will miss seeing him at the station. Again, our heartfelt condolences.

Susan Agner and Helen Franklin, Salem, VA

Richard Wilson

May 14, 2011

I was one of his customers and I live in Botetourt county . I brought my car there for inspections and was always treated with great service and friendliness. He'll be missed a lot.

Terry Elmore

May 13, 2011

I am thinking of each of you during this challenging time. Mr. Pillis had a long and successful life. Please accept my condolences. Celebrate his life!

May 13, 2011

My heart goes out to you Sue, Carolyn & your boys and extended families. Oh, I will miss George so much. When I came to the back porch & knocked he would say "come on in, you don't have to knock, your'e family". I love you guys. If you need us for anything just ask.
Fay & Fred Mahone

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