Stephen Edward Pilarski

Surrounded by his loving family, Stephen Edward Pilarski passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the age of 60 after a courageous battle with Merkel Cell Carcinoma. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Chris (Cavalovitch) Pilarski; his daughters, Courtney (Jimmy) Thompson, Caitlin (Jon) Nalavenko, and Kara (Daniel O’Shea) Pilarski; his grandchildren, Jade Christine Thompson and Luca Stephen Nalavenko; his mother, Joan Pilarski; his siblings, Len (Gaylon Melton) Pilarski, Linda (Kevin) Hart, David (Colleen) Pilarski, Barb Pilarski, and Diana (Jason) Essel; his extended Cavalovitch family, including his brothers-in-law and sister-in-law; and also numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard R. Pilarski.

Steve attended Holy Innocents grade school, Langley High School and Indiana University of PA before earning his degree from Point Park University in 1996while employed by Allegheny County – where he proudly built a 40-year career. His first job with the County was a keypunch operator and he worked his way through the ranks to serve as Deputy County Manager for the final 13 years of his tenure.

Steve was a fan of many sports, but hockey became part of who he was. His love for the game began on a neighbor’s frozen patio in the 1970s and stayed with him for the rest of his life – as a Penguins fan, as a 29-year weekend warrior in the OGHL, and even as an arena usher, which gave him another way to enjoy watching the Penguins.

A beloved family tradition was born when, shortly after his daughters were born, Steve purchased a Santa suit. What started as something he wanted to do for his kids became a role he also loved playing for friends and in the community for years to come.

Steve spent many years active in the Robinson Township Soccer and Softball Associations, serving as President of the Softball Association and continuing as an umpire even after his girls were no longer playing. The fields were a second home in the summers. He also loved golfing, cooking, Sunday morning after-hockey breakfasts, Thursday night dinners out and traveling with his family and friends on many great vacations.

He was thrilled when Jade and Luca arrived in June 2025 and loved every minute he spent in “Pappy Day Care” watching them grow over the last year.

Steve will be remembered for his hard work, his sense of humor, his loyalty to the people and places he loved, and above all, his love for family.

Family and friends welcome on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 from 12:00 noon - 8:00 pm at WiLLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE (412-563-2800) 1650 Greentree Rd. Scott Twp. 15220. Funeral mass on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 10:00 am in Holy Trinity Church, 5718 Steubenville Pike, Robinson Twp. 15136. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center at fredhutch.org (please direct your gift to Merkel Cell Carcinoma) or the AHN Cancer Institute at AHN.org.  

www.slaterfuneral.com