Chester "Chet" V. Pilatowski

Chester Pilatowski, age 93, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on January 27, 2024. He was born July 1, 1930 in Irvington, NJ to Chester S. and Elizabeth (Miller) Pilatowski. He was a graduate of Irvington High School. The family later moved to Cedar Grove, NJ.

Chet attended Springfield College and earned his B.S. Degree in Physical Education and Health Education. He also played varsity Football and Basketball. Upon graduation, he was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War and was trained as an Army Medic. Upon completion of his military service, he returned to Springfield College and earned his M.S. Degree in Physical Education and met his beloved wife, Lois Williams. He also attended Montclair College (now University) where he earned his School Administration certification.

Chet was employed by the Pascack Valley Board of Education in Hillsdale, NJ for 36 years. He taught Physical Education, Health Education, and Driver Education and Pascack Valley High School. He also coached Football and Track. There were very few Wrestling programs in Bergen County in the 1950’s and 1957 he was asked to begin a new sport. He eagerly took on the challenge and developed a wrestling program that would dominate the region. Pascack Hills High School later opened in Montvale, NJ and Chet was appointed the Athletic Director, a position he held for 25 years. He coached Football and once again began another Wrestling program. With the duties of being Athletic Director, he stepped down from coaching and became the Assistant coach of Wrestling. Chet had many honors bestowed upon him. The following are a few that high-lighted his outstanding career. In 1982, he was named “The Father of Pascack Wrestling” by the Pascack Valley and Pascack Hills Athletic Supporters.

1983, he was recognized by his fellow Athletic Directors of the NBIAL for his dedication to Athletics. In 1984, he received recognition from the New Jersey Directors of Athletics for his Dedication, Service and Loyalty to his school and community. 1994 Chet was inducted into the New Jersey Interscholastic Coaches Association Hall of Fame. 2002 he was inducted into the Wrestling Region II (Bergen County Wrestling Coaches) Hall of Fame. He did coach the Indoor Winter Track Team for many years. He was also very vocal in his support of Title IX and was a strong supporter of girls’ athletics.

Chet was a certified official in Track and Field. He was honored as the Track Official of the Year in 1988 by the Bergen County Track Official of the Year. He was involved with the New Jersey Special Olympics in Track for many years.

Chet and his wife, Lois, settled in Old Tappan in 1960 and raised their family. At that time, the Old Tappan Ambulance Corps needed members. With this Military Service of being a Medic, he joined.

He remained active until the membership increased. At the same time he became a volunteer fireman. He was an active member for 36 years. Chet was appointed the first Recreation Director in Old Tappan – a position he held for many years. He was also on the committee that planned and developed the Old Tappan Golf Course. He also coached the Old Tappan Recreation Football and Little League Baseball.

After 38 years living in Old Tappan, Chet and Lois decided to relocate to Toms River to be closer to their grandchildren and just be “grandparents” and watch the next generation grow.

Chet’s passion was community service but his priority was always his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was always present, sitting in the bleachers with this beloved wife, Lois and watching his children participate and cheering them on in their athletic activities and then doing it again with the grandchildren. He looked forward to spending time at their home at Brant Lake, NY (in the Adirondacks) with family and friends. He was a lifelong Giant and Yankee fan, along with college basketball, especially March Madness.

Chet was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Dolores Murphy and brother-in-law, Jack. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lois of 65 years; son Steven (Debbie), son Douglas (Amy) and daughter Kristen Pike (Eric). Grandchildren; Kaitlyn Leonard (Daniel), Kourtney DeCorso (Marc), Kristina Kokinda (Jake), Alyssa Drachman (Daniel), Douglas Pilatowski, JR., Great grandchildren; Daniel, Olivia, Penelope, Piper, Dominic and Donovan.

Viewing will be at Becker Funeral Home on Friday, February 2, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Pius X R.C. Church, 268 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan, NJ 07675.

Cremation is private.

In lieu of flowers, the Family request memorial donation in his name to the Old Tappan Fire Department, C/O Scholarship Committee, 231 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan, NJ 07675