Robert Pilger

Robert "Bob" Pilger, a resident of Mineville, NY, passed away November 08, 2024 at Elderwood of Ticonderoga. He has left a deep void in the hearts of family and friends.

Born August 17, 1939 in Addison, Vermont to Pauline Thelma Burgey and Elmer Martin Pilger. He graduated from Port Henry High School and joined the US Navy in 1957. There, he served as a Radioman, First Class Petty Officer on the USS Midway CVA41 and the USS Bennington CVA20 out of Long Beach, California. Bob was a Combat Veteran in the Vietnam War. The Armed Forces would also take Bob and his family to Japan, Florida, and Washington D.C. He retired from the Armed Forces in 1977 as a MSGT in the US Air Force.

Once retired, he cruised up and down the east coast on his sailboat and then on his 45ft cabin cruiser with his longtime partner Janice Ferguson Brewer. They eventually settled in Mineville in 2010. 

Living in Mineville, he enjoyed reading and working on his 1931 Ford Model A. He was also an avid model airplane builder/flyer and a member of the Champlain Valley Flyers.

Survivors include his ex-wife Margaret Moot Pilger, child Brenda Pilger Muir and her husband Thomas Muir, grandchildren Sarah Zeleznik and Lillian Muir, great grandchildren Nicholas and Thomas Zeleznik of VA. Two surviving brothers Eddie Pilger of FL, George Pilger of Moriah. Two surviving sisters Jolie Burgey of AZ., Diane Walbert of CT. And not to be forgotten, his Aunt Jean McEvila Devino of Addison VT.

Extended family includes longtime partner Janice Ferguson Brewer, Roxann Whitford Stoddard her husband Mike Stoddard their children Jackie Vargo and Tony Priest, Preston and Janelle Vargo, Brandy and Mike Paul, Brian and Melissa Stoddard, grandchildren Breyten, Colten, Traeh, Maddy, Gianna, Natalia, Baylie, Keegan, Brynn and Myla.

Bob follows his son Jay Pilger, sisters Beverly Tomlinson, Marilyn Phelps and Susan Dunn to his eternal rest.

At Bob’s request he will be cremated and his ashes cast over the Atlantic Ocean.

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