Obituary of John H. Pileckas

The Village of Hagaman New York is missing one of its favorite lifetime locals,  John “Jack” Pileckas who passed away on October 17, 2018.

On April 22, 1927, Jack was born in Amsterdam, New York to Joseph and Monica (Belzak) Pileckas.  Jack was one of 8 children including Henry, Paul, Joseph, Allen, Philomena, Susan and Nellie.  He was a 1944 graduate of William H. Lynch High School in Amsterdam and was educated at Syracuse University.  In 1945 he joined the Navy, was assigned to the US Midway and served his county until the end of World War II.   Jack had three loves in life; his wife of 62 years, Teresa (Navarretta) Pileckas who passed before him in 2012, his extended family who loved and adored him, and sports – especially baseball.

He was an outstanding baseball player at all levels, including high school, semi-pro, and professional.  Prior to serving his country, at age17, Jack signed a professional contract with the Chicago Cubs.  After returning home from the War, he joined the Appalachian League where he travelled the country playing the game he loved.  He continued to play as a semi-professional when he returned to the Amsterdam area and was recognized as the best left-handed hitter in Amsterdam by his peers.  His teams included Club Aloha, Amsterdam Stars, Amsterdam A.C. Brownies and the Textiles.  In 2016, he was inducted into the Amsterdam Baseball Hall of Fame.  Being a multi-sport athlete, he also played on the semi-pro football team, the Amsterdam Zephers, the Mohawk Hockey Chiefs, and the City Night Softball League.   He was also an avid bowler and bowled on several Amsterdam leagues.

He is survived by his son Allen (Lynda) Pileckas of Amsterdam, one brother Paul (Janet) Pileckas of Rome, New York and his grandchildren; Brandon Pileckas, Paul (Laura) Pileckas, Allison Pileckas, Thomas Spagnola (Jessica), Jamie Hillhouse, Sherri (Andrew) McLoughlin, Louis Spagnola (Erin) and great-grandchildren; Connor, Hudson, Boden, Brianna, Ashley, Tyler, Lyman, Kailey, Aidan, Gianna and  Brodrick,

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Betz, Rossi, Bellinger Family Funeral Homes at 171 Guy Park Avenue in Amsterdam on Sunday, October 21 from 4 to 7 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday October 22 at 11 AM at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church at 51 N Pawling Street in Hagaman with Fr. O. Robert DeMartinis the Celebrant.  Online condolences may be made at ww.brbsfuneral.com