William Malvern “Bill “ Pilote – 75, a longtime resident of North Reading, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 16, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Bill retired from GE, where he worked as a quality control inspector for 40 years. He proudly served in the United States Army as a UH-1 Helicopter Repairman, including a tour in Vietnam from May 1971 to May 1972, and was honorably discharged. His service was recognized in a Letter of Commendation for the aircraft maintenance personnel of Company C, 158th Aviation Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, cited as among the best in the Republic of Vietnam. His decorations included the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Service Star.
His love of the outdoors kept him busy in his yard and on daily walks with his dog, Sadie. Bill was always sure to bring extra treats along for the neighborhood dogs. An avid golfer, he also treasured his time at his cabin in Holderness, NH.
Bill leaves his beloved wife, Maureen Pilote; his stepchildren, Tracy DeGregorio and her husband Richard, and William Brackett and his wife Lesley; and five grandchildren, Alec DeGregorio, Faith DeGregorio, Nolan DeGregorio, Annabelle Brackett, and Madeline Brackett. He is also survived by his sisters, Marcia (Pilote) Colella and Marilyn Pilote; his sister-in-law, Ruth Pilote; and his nephews, Mark, Scott, Anthony, and Keith. He was predeceased by his three brothers, David Pilote, Robert Pilote, and Don Pilote.
Bill will be dearly missed by his family and his fellow soldiers. All who knew him will remember him as a fabulous host for COTD.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation T2T.org to support our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country.
Arrangements under the care of Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, MA, (978) 664-3031. Visiting hours Wednesday, August 26, 5-7 PM and Thursday, August 26, 11AM to 11:45 AM, followed by interment at Riverside Cemetery in North Reading at Noon.
www.croswellfuneralhome.com