MYSTIC: Jack (John) W. Pillar Jr. of Mystic passed on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Jack was born in Norwich, CT on July 28, 1938. He is the husband of Jane Richard Pillar. They were married on July 6, 1963 at St. Michael’s Church in Pawcatuck and communicant of St. Patrick’s Church of Mystic. He is survived by his wife, Jane and many cousins. He is predeceased by his parents John and Hattie Dugas Pillar of Groton, CT.
He attended Norwich grammar schools, Norwich Free Academy and Fitch High School in Groton, CT. He joined the Air Force in August 1955 and served four years with tours of duty in Turkey, Greece and California.
Jack was employed at General Dynamics/Electric Boat from 1962 until his early retirement in 1997. He was a member of the MDA/UAW L571 and was elected as Trustee, Grievance Representative Union Councilor, and was the first MDA Safety Representative. During his 35 years of employment he was a welding structural inspector in the shipyard a a member of the MTC Union. From 1970 in Union MDA/UAW until his retirement he was a Contract Change Technical Aide.
He was previously employed in 1961 at Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford. He was elected to the RTM for the Town of Groton, Parks & Recreation and Town Budget Committee. Later he was on the Board of Directors for the Indian and Colonial Center in Old Mystic, CT.
Jack was a drag racer and a member of the New Breed Auto Club of Norwich, CT, since 1962. He was elected president for one term, then secretary. He actively participated in NHRA, racing his ’55 Chevy E/G Class at CT Dragway, Lebanon Valley, NY and York, PA. He designed, built and painted the car.
He is a former member of Southeastern Mustang Club. He served as Secretary For Corvettes Only and Chairman of the 2014 annual Corvette Show in Mystic, AC Gilberts Erectors Club, American Game Association, NRA Certified, Lunch Box Collector, Antique Train Association, and Toy Collectors of America. He was co-owner of Pillar’s Antiques with his wife, Jane, for 40 years.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 14, at 10:00am at St. Patrick Church. 32 East Main Street, Mystic and a private burial will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Smilow Cancer Center, Waterford CT or the charity of your choice.