Mr. Richard Eugene "Dick" Pilkington Sr.

Richard Eugene Dick Pilkington, Sr., 87, passed away at his home in Whittier on Thursday evening, November 21, 2013 surrounded by his family. Born on May 23, 1926 in Detroit, Michigan, Dick was born to his parents William & Anne (Martin) Pilkington. He was a loving husband to Phyllis Pilkington (deceased) and a proud father of 8 children.



As a young man, Dick grew up in Detroit where he attended Cooley High School. In January 1954, he married Phyllis Sheridan, also of Detroit, Michigan and they moved to Whittier later that year. His primary occupation was as a mechanical engineer which he did for his whole working life. He was an orderly man and his skills served him well throughout his career.



Dick was a True Dad as his children put it. He was very devoted to their upbringing putting all of his children through parochial school. Not only was Dick a good father, but he was a considerate husband at the same time. We could never understand why it took mom all day to cook spaghetti while dad took us to the beach, commented Rich Pilkington, Dick and Phyllis youngest son, then as adults we realized it was cause he was giving mom a break! And while it is obvious that falling asleep in church is discouraged, what else could you expect from a father of 8 who only got a few minutes of silence in the church pew on Sunday mornings? Later in life, he and Phyllis would take vacations together to Palm Springs and Las Vegas; they loved long drives together. He always loved to listen to Phyllis share about her community activities, such as her volunteer work with numerous Whittier community programs or her service as the bereavement coordinator at St. Gregorys over the years. But it should be said that Dick always listened best when he had a plate of hot food in front of him, something Phyllis accommodated her husband with very well. Dicks life was simple, but full.



Dick is preceded in death by his lovely wife, Phyllis (deceased 2004), and his daughter, Karen (deceased 1979). He is survived by his seven children: Susan Pilkington-Morin, John (Anita) Pilkington, Donna (Scott) Becker, Diane (Eric) Shaver, Carol Pilkington, Bill Pilkington, and Richard (Felicia) Pilkington, Jr. He also leaves 15 grandchildren: Ryan, Danielle and Jaclyn Morin; Caitlin, Hannah, and Hayley Pilkington; Kyle, Kevin and Molly Becker; Justin and Toby Shaver; David Pilkington; and Korina, Marina and Julia Pilkington.



A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at 10:00AM at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 13935 Telegraph Rd, Whittier. The Vigil Service will be held the evening prior, Monday, November 25, 2013 at 7:00PM at the church. A Reception will be held immediately following the Mass at the Ruddy Center from 11:00AM 1:00PM. The Graveside Service will commence at 1:30PM at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, 2161 S. Fullerton Rd., Rowland Heights.