William Eugene Pilati, 100, of Minerva, passed away at Aultman Compassionate Care Center on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. After a brief illness, he departed this earthly life and went to join the love of his life since he was 12 years old, his beloved wife, Ruth.

William was born May 21, 1925, in Waynesburg, Ohio, to Louis and Terzilia (Bertolini) Pilati, who both immigrated to America from present-day Northern Italy, an area then known as Southern Tyrol. He was blessed with a long life, a large family and great health. He remained active in his church, the Minerva community, the Rotary Club, WWII Crew 1944 and with his family up to the time of his passing. Bill was loved, respected and revered by those who knew him, and cherished beyond words by his five sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

William enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 1943 and fought in the European theater during World War II, attainingthe rank of tech sergeant. He was a member of the 275th Armored Field Artillery, assigned to an armored half-track equipped with .30- and .50-caliber machine guns while attached to the 1st Army. Arriving in France in September 1944, he fought through France and Belgium before preparing for a spring offensive. As Bill often said, “Hitler had other plans and on Dec. 16, 1944, the Germans attacked us and all hell broke loose. The Battle of the Bulge started.”

This battle was fought in temperatures 10 degrees below zero with a foot of snow on the ground. The 275th was later attached to the 2nd Infantry Division and moved into the St. Vith area, which experienced some of the most brutal and deadly days of the Bulge. With the courage of his fellow soldiers and the grace of God, Mr. Pilati survived what is regarded as one of the largest and deadliest battles in U.S. history. The Allied victory in this battle contributed to the ultimate victory in World War II.

One of his favorite T-shirts read, “If you can read this shirt thank a teacher, but if you can read it in English — thank a veteran.” He wore it to many Memorial Day services.

Mr. Pilati believed deeply in honor and respect and often said you are never wrong to do the right thing. He was always there for his family, neighbors, church members and anyone in need.

Six days before his passing, Mr. Pilati was honored at a gala ball organized by Crew 1944 recognizing seven World War II veterans. He dazzled those in attendance with his charm, intelligence and ability to converse about the trials of fighting for freedom. Bill believed it was important to keep younger generations informed of World War II and frequently spoke at meetings, dinners, Memorial Day services and gatherings that requested his presence and knowledge. The evening was truly a blessing, one last time, before he was reunited with those — especially his dear wife, Ruth — now asking him, “What took you so long to get here?”

Mr. Pilati never missed attending two Memorial Day services each year in recent years, taking time to remember and honor those veterans who had gone before him.

After his military service, William embarked on a successful career of more than 40 years as a sales manager with the Metropolitan Brick Company and the Darlington Brick Company, where he was known for his professionalism and commitment. He was extremely knowledgeable about every aspect of the brick business, following in the footsteps of his father, who worked in area brickyards after arriving in America. Bill could still drive by a building and tell where the brick was manufactured, its name and the raw materials used to make it.

Beyond his professional endeavors, William was deeply involved in his community. He was named Minerva Man of the Year in 2004 by unanimous choice. He was an active member of the Minerva Rotary Club for more than 60 years.

His faith was central to his life. He was an active member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Minerva for 70 years, serving as a Eucharistic minister and lector. He also served on the parish council for many years, including as president. He was co-chairman of the building committee for the current church, a building he was very proud of.

William’s dedication extended to various civic engagements, including serving on the Minerva Public Library Board of Trustees and the Minerva Zoning Board of Appeals. He also participated in the Minerva Local Schools levy committee and supported local athletics through the Minerva Athletic Booster Club.

Throughout his life, William exemplified the values of service, integrity and community spirit. His legacy will live on in all who knew and loved him.

His memory will be cherished by his five sons: James (Linda) of Melber, Kentucky; William (Nori) of Vienna; Richard (Cathy) of East Rochester; John (Cindy) of Minerva; and Dave (Diane) of Canton; grandchildren Merry Ellen (Lynn) Pridgen, Karen (Chris) Neese, Leah (Jon) Moffett, Kelsey (Justin) Willis, Louis (Raven) Pilati, Dylan (Hayley) Vance, Jesse (Telse) Pilati, Nick Hoagland, Kristen Smith, Siena Pilati and Alec Pilati; great-grandchildren Leigh, Jackson, Taytum, Cameron, Calvin, Brandon, Kyla and Hunter; and great-great-grandchildren Ava and Tatum.

In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by his stepmother, Agnes Pilati; his wife, Ruth Anne (Bricker) Pilati; and a great-grandson, Andy Harris.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 400 W. High St., Minerva, on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Victor Cinson as celebrant.

Burial will follow at East Lawn Cemetery.

Visitation was Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., and again Friday, Jan. 30, from 10-11 a.m. at St. Gabriel Catholic Church. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday. A dinner will be held following the funeral services Friday, and all are invited to attend.

Bill always said, “Remember … respect the flag of the great United States of America … this is the best country in the world. Be proud to be an American.”

When people asked, including two days before his passing, what his secret was to living such a long and blessed life, Mr. Pilati said: “Stay close to God, be good to your neighbors, and love your family.”

Friends and family may express their condolences at www.bartleyfuneralhome.com.

Bartley Funeral Home, 330-868-4114