Obituary of Ernest G. Pilotti

Ernest Genaro Pilotti, 85, passed away peacefully on August 17th, 2023. Ernie was predeceased by his parents, Ernest J. and Theresa A. Pilotti, and his wife, Judy. He is survived by his children, Matthew, Christopher and Teresa (Kevin Smith) and grandchildren, Christopher, Dominick, Anthony and Alex Pilotti and Brian Smith. Ernie was a lifelong resident of Binghamton, predominantly on his beloved Southside. He ultimately forgave his parents for moving to the Westside during his childhood. He later anxiously returned over the South Washington Street Bridge to raise his family. Ernie worked in the The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers Union for 40 years, often serving as an officer in Local 158. Among his prouder moments as an Ironworker was serving as Foreman when the steel was erected for Binghamton's State Office Building, as his father was the consulting engineer on that project. He enjoyed the morning crew at the YMCA and relished his personal connection to that gym, another of his father's projects. Ernie had a passion for golf. He was a member of Ely Park's Zulick League for nearly 60 years and enjoyed golf trips around the country with his closest friends. Ernie coached youth baseball at MacArthur Park, perhaps one of few coaches to have their own player ejected for unsportsmanlike behavior which he never tolerated. Ernie founded the Ernest J. and Theresa A. Pilotti Memorial Scholarship at SUNY Broome Community College, still awarded annually to Engineering students. A Funeral Mass will be offered at the Church of Saints John and Andrew, Vestal Avenue, Binghamton, Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. There will be no public visitation. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 N. McKinley Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760, Parkinson's Foundation, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or the aforementioned Scholarship Fund at SUNY Broome.