Reverend James F. Pilon

Father Pilon was born in Hartford, CT on August 17, 1936 to the late Valmore & Alice (Keith) Pilon. He grew up in Bristol, attended St. Joseph School and graduated from Bristol High School in 1954. He continued his education at the University of Connecticut, graduating in 1958 with a BA in Music Education. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent his service as a Chaplain's Assistant. Upon his discharge, he entered Christ the King Seminary at St. Bonaventure University in Western, NY.

Father Pilon was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by the Most Reverend Henry J. O'Brien at St. Joseph Cathedral in Hartford on May 4, 1967.

Following his ordination, Father Pilon served the Archdiocese as an Assistant Pastor in East Haven, Waterbury, Manchester, Branford, and Hartford. From 1975-1984, he was assigned to East Catholic High School as a teacher and Spiritual Director. While serving at East Catholic, he earned his CAGS Degree in Counseling from St. Joseph College.

Father Pilon was then named Pastor of St. Bernard Church in Sharon along with St. Bridget Parish in Cornwall followed by St. Patrick Church in Farmington. His last assignment before retirement was at Mary Our Queen Church in Southington.

Besides his parents he was predeceased by his brothers, William and Richard Pilon.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Dominic Church 1015 Flanders Rd. Southington, CT 06489 on Thursday June 18, 2026 at 11:00 am. He will lie in state in the church prior to Mass from 9:00 am -11:00 am. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Bristol. To leave a message of remembrance for his family please visit: www.DellaVecchiaSouthington.com