Via Coffey Funeral Home:
Patrick Daniel Pilla passed away peacefully on November 18, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in North Tarrytown on March 27, 1930 to Margaret Duffy Pilla and Dominick Pilla. On October 17, 1953, he married his beloved wife of 57 years, the former Eileen Downing. Their only child, Matthew, died on September 13, 1978. He is also survived by his brother, Edmund (Phyllis), nieces, nephews and many other caring and loving relatives and friends.
Pat graduated in 1948 from the former North Tarrytown High School; where he was an All-Star and an All-County player in football and basketball and went on to attend Lehigh University. After spending four years as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, which included one year on active duty stationed in Seoul, Korea, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Iona College in 1959 with a business degree in Accounting. He started his career at Price Waterhouse and eventually set up his own successful accounting practice for 25 years in Tarrytown.
Pat was active in local politics beginning in 1972, as a Trustee in Tarrytown. He was elected Mayor in 1975 and served until 1983. While Mayor, Pat instituted the professional position of Village Administrator in Tarrytown. In November, he was elected as Councilman in the Town of Greenburgh, where he served through 1993.
Pat was continually involved in any number of community organizations and served in the following: Kiwanis Club, Dad’s Club, Tarrytown Volunteer Ambulance Corp, Hope Hose Fire Company, Sleepy Hollow Chamber of Commerce, Tarrytowners and Proud Of It and was an usher at Transfiguration Church. Pat served as a Past Exalted Ruler of the Elks Club, Past Director of the YMCA, Chairman of the Tarrytown Centennial Parade Committee and was an annual participant in the United Fund Drive.
Pat had a zest for life. He enjoyed playing golf with his buddies, competitive bridge games, political discussions, strategizing Rotisserie Baseball, Friday night dinner excursions and watching any sport he could find on TV. Some of Pat’s happiest moments were sharing joyful events with the Nee and Herighty families. Pat would tell you that his favorite pastime was sharing time with the “love of his life” and best friend, Eileen. He cherished his time with family and friends, all who will miss him dearly.
Visitation at Coffey Funeral Home Monday, 7-9pm, Tuesday, 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Funeral Mass at Transfiguration Church, Wednesday, 10am, followed by internment at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
