Leonard Louis Pilus, 95,of Essex Junction passed away on Saturday March 25, 2017 at Starr Farm Nursing Home in Burlington. He was born on March 14, 1922 in New Windsor, New York, son of the late Joseph and Mary (Gilnick) Pilus. He proudly served his country for three years in the US Army during WWII. He was a decorated Technical Sergeant, serving in the 294th ASLT signal company, one of the first units to land on Omaha Beach on D-Day June 6, 1944. Then he was transferred to the Pacific where they were training to land in Japan serving in the Japan Assault Signal Company (JASCO), a special unit. Len was recognized for his service by France, receiving the French Legion of Honor medal in Montpelier in November 2014, presented by the Hon. Fabien Fieschi, the Consul General of France. He was also the Grand Marshal of the Essex Memorial Day Parade in 2012 representing World War II.

He married the former Marie Ferrara on March 22, 1945 in Newburgh, New York. He was a member of the fraternity Sigma Lambda Epsilon of Newburgh, New York. He had been employed with E. I. DuPont De Nemours for 26 years in Newburgh before going to work with IBM in Essex Junction, Vermont where he spent the next 20 years. Len enjoyed fishing and often spoke of the day he met Ted Williams while fishing in New Brunswick, Canada. Len had been a member of St. Lawrence Parish for 50 years.

He is survived by his loving wife Marie (Ferrara) Pilus of Essex Junction, three daughters Maryann Liebel and husband James of Springfield, MA; Lori Pilus and husband Charles Farmer of Francestown, NH and their children Christopher and Shelby; Lenelle Torrey and family; several nieces and nephews.

He was also predeceased by his daughters, Mary, Christine and an infant daughter, his five brothers and one sister.

Per Leonard’s wishes there will be no visiting hours held. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday April 1, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Lawrence Church with Reverend Charles Ranges S.S.E. officiating. Burial will be in Spring in New Windsor, New York at the convenience of the family. The family would like to thank everyone at UVM Medical Center and especially everyone at Starr Farm for all the care, love and support that they gave during his stay with them.

Memorial contributions in Leonard’s memory may be made to the VNA of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, VT 05446 or Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 6689, 73 Pearl Street, Essex Junction, Vt. 05452. The family also invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.