Obituary of John M. Piljer, Jr.

John M. Piljer Jr. (1936-2025)

John M. Piljer Jr., 89, of Langhorne, PA, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

John was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from North Catholic High School and later earned his B.S. from La Salle University in 1964. In 1954, he enlisted in the Army and served with distinction for two years in Europe, a period that shaped his character and instilled in him a deep sense of duty and patriotism.

John (or "Jack," as his work colleagues called him) had a distinguished career spanning nearly 40 years, working with General Electric, Lockheed, and Martin Marietta. His professional achievements were matched by his entrepreneurial spirit. Together with his first wife, Betty (née Shevlin), he co-owned and operated two successful boutique retail stores, The Peanut Gallery and The Wee Cottage.

John was a man of many talents and interests. He was a devout Catholic, and his faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was a passionate sports enthusiast, particularly fond of his alma mater, the La Salle Explorers. Golf was another of his great loves, and he was a proud member of The Spring Ford Country Club and Yardley Country Club. Golf brought him closer to his family and friends, creating lasting memories.

In his later years, John developed a greater appreciation for art, finding joy in the beauty it brought to his life. His quick wit and sharp mind never left him, and he was always ready with a joke or a clever comeback. He was known for his generosity and his ability to make friends wherever he went, frequently bestowing nicknames on others and one for himself—"The Pilj." His love for family was boundless, and he cherished the relationships he built with the Shevlins and McHenrys, who welcomed him with open arms.

John is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Patricia Piljer (née McHenry); his daughters, Susan O'Shea (Donal) and Patricia Matwijec (Ted); his son, John M. Piljer III; his sisters, Helen Steiner and Edith Burns (Jack); his grandson, Marcus Matwijec; his daughters, Lynne Knapp (Doug) and Susan Hawthorne (Paul); his son, Keith McHenry (Jennifer); his grandchildren Lauren Doig (Clarke), Paige Hawthorne, Brandon Knapp, Evan Knapp (Michaella), Shane McHenry, Brynn McHenry, Conor O'Shea, Tim O'Shea, Teddy Matwijec (Courtney); and his great-gandchildren, Andrew Knapp, Cora Matwijec Caruso, and Lucia Matwijec Caruso. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

John was predeceased by his first wife, Betty (née Shevlin), who he was married to from 1960 to 2000, and his parents, John M. Piljer Sr. and Anna Piljer (née Remich).

A viewing will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a Mass from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Saint Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church, located at 999 Reading Avenue, Yardley, PA 19067. Interment will follow in the St. Ignatius Cemetery on River Road in Yardley. Arrangements are under the care of the FitzGerald-Sommer Funeral Home 17 S. Delaware Avenue Yardley, PA 19067.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Condolences for the family can be left at www.fitzgeraldsommerfuneralhome.com.

John M. Piljer Jr. was a man of many talents, a loving husband, father, and family member, and a cherished friend to all. His legacy of kindness, generosity, and love will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.