Thomas J. Pilarski, 78, of Allentown, died Jan. 6, 2025 in his residence.  He was the husband of Aileen M. (Dill) Pilarski, whom he married Nov. 17, 1973.  Born Dec. 31, 1946 in Mount Carmel, he was the son of the late Thomas H. and Irene (Maciejewski) Pilarski.  He was a graduate of Mount Carmel Catholic High School and graduated in 1968 from Villanova University with a degree in Chemical Engineering.  Tom started his career as a chemical engineer at Foote Mineral and finished his career as a project manager for Air Products and Chemicals.  He was a longtime member of St. Ann's Catholic Church, and often served as an usher at Mass.  Tom was an avid reader and enjoyed discussing books with his daughters.  He also enjoyed playing golf, and watching football and basketball games, often cheering for his alma mater of Villanova, his youngest daughter's alma mater of Virginia Tech, and Duke University, his oldest daughter's obsession.  He was quiet, but once you got to know him, he had a phenomenal sense of humor.  He was well-read and enjoyed talking about a wide variety of topics with family and friends.  He was the very best Dad to his 2 daughters, a wonderful loving and kind husband, devoted grandfather to his 3 grandchildren, and wonderful friend to many.  One thing people should know about Tom is that he was selfless, brave, kind, and the strongest person we know.  He bravely fought Parkinson's for many years with his witty sense of humor fully intact.  To his wife and daughters, he was a warrior and hero.

Thomas will be remembered by his wife of 51 years, Aileen; his daughters, Kristen and Beth; brother-in-law, Walter Dill; brother, Greg Pilarski; grandchildren, Landen, Berkley, and Finn; nieces, Stephanie (Sean) and Erin (Aaron); great niece, Aimie; great nephews, Drew and Bryce.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Sat., Jan. 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM in St. Ann's Catholic Church, 415 S. 6th Street, Emmaus.  Viewing Fri., Jan. 10, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., 250 Main St., Emmaus.  Interment with will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Emmaus.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tom's memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.