John Pillar

Groton - John W. Pillar, 89, of 1057 Poquonnock Road, died Sunday morning at his home after a lengthy illness.

He was born in Norwich on July 4, 1916, the son of Joseph and Caroline Pillar. He attended Norwich Schools and lived in Norwich for many years.

Mr. Pillar owned an operated the Norwich Bowling Alley and Roller Rink and Luncheonette. He also owned Pillar Floor Sanding Co. for over forty years before his retirement. In the early 1950's, he moved his residence to Groton where he remained.

He enjoyed photography, traveling, politics and his bulldogs. He was also the host of the local cable show "Wake Up Groton".

He was married to Hattie Dugas on Dec. 31, 1937. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Jack Pillar and his wife, Jane, of Mystic; his sister, Caroline and her husband, John Kapinos, of Norwich; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, and his brothers, Joseph Pillar and Andy Marchiel.

His family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Wednesday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church, 69 Groton Long Point Rd, Groton at 11a.m. Private burial will be in St. Patrick Cemetery, Old Mystic.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society, 169 Old Colchester Road, Quaker Hill, CT 06375 or Hospice, PO Box 902, Uncasville 06382.

For obituary information, directions, or to send an online condolence/remembrance to his family, please visit www.dinotofuneral.com.