Obituary of Saule T. Pilati

Saule Theodore Pilati Jr, born April 11,1934 in Rochester, New York, passed away peacefully at his home in Irondequoit surrounded by family on January 11, 2020. He was 85. He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Carol R. Pilati of Pittsford, New York. Saule dedicated 36 years of his life to teaching Mathematics at Irondequoit High School. It was near impossible to go anywhere in town without being stopped by folks, both young and old, wanting to express their gratitude for making a difference in their life - he was truly beloved by all. While teaching future generations may have been his life's work, Saule's true passion was traveling. From short car rides to the Adirondacks, to cross-country tours in his motorhome with the kids, and even a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti Plains of Tanzania - seeing the world near and far filled him with happiness. He and Carol loved spending their summer months in the Tetons of Wyoming, but even more so, sharing their love of the mountains and the great outdoors with friends and family who would travel to meet them on their next big adventure. Saule, the original do-it-yourselfer, loved the challenge of fixing things and was just gifted with his hands. When not on the road exploring our big beautiful world, he could be found cooking delicious meals or in his wood shop designing jewelry boxes and rocking horses for his grandchildren. Christmases were spent with the younger generations building ornate gingerbread houses using the elaborate templates he'd made in his workshop the year before. Born a first generation American to Italian parents, Saule was profoundly proud of his heritage. Never short of stories of simpler times, Saule made sure family traditions were kept alive - especially the culinary ones. The first in his family to attend college, he was a proud member of the Beta Sigma Tau fraternity and an alum at Hobart College, class of '56. After retiring, he volunteered for over 20 years for the local chapter of Meals on Wheels. An integral part of his community, Saule is deeply loved and survived by his three children, Cristina (Eric) Stevens, 57, of Raleigh, NC, Tad Pilati, 53, of Snowmass, CO and Ticia Pilati, 50, of Playa del Carmen, Mexico; two grandchildren, James Lucas, 22, and Cristina Alexandra, 17, of Raleigh, NC; a sister Marianne Overcash and her 3 children Kevin (Mary) Overcash, Kristin (Eduardo) Jaen and Kara Mia (Michael) Wray, of Atlanta, GA; and many beloved cousins and dear friends. Calling hours will be held Saturday, January 25, from 1:00pm-4:00pm at Harris Family Center, 560 Kings Highway South, Rochester, NY. (Located behind the funeral home) In lieu of flowers, please send donations via the website to: UR Medicine Home Care - Meals On Wheels Program - urmc.rochester.edu