John J. Pilecki Jr.

1930 - 2022

Montville - John J. Pilecki Jr., age 91, was promoted to glory July 6, 2022. He was born Oct. 8, 1930. John graduated from Chapman Technical High School in New London.

John served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from June 1951 to 1953, earning a Korean service medal with two Bronze Service Stars and a United Nations Service Medal.

John became a professional tractor trailer driver for New Penn Trucking Co., and retired from the Teamsters Union; and then went back to work for Walmart in Waterford as a greeter. He loved children and would give them stickers if they were not feeling well; and that calmed them knowing John cared. John later became the full-time main telephone operator. He worked for Walmart sixteen and a half years, retiring at 89 years of age.

John was predeceased by his wife Ruth Pilecki; and their son Arthur, both in 2003.

John enjoyed driving down to the Connecticut River to see the cargo ships come in and watch the trains. He also enjoyed walking Nancy's dog "Ollie" on the Niantic boardwalk and locally at Beit Brothers parking lot every night. Many people were amazed that Ollie would walk so slowly, side by side at John's pace. One gentleman took a video and posted it on the Internet.

A celebration of John's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, at Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem Street, Norwich. Interment will follow at Saint Patrick Cemetery, Depot Road, Uncasville. Please visit www.churchandallen.com to leave an online condolence for John's family.