Father Scott Pilarz, SJ, 61, president of the University of Scranton and graduate of Camden Catholic High School, died March 10 from complications related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
He was president at Scranton for two terms, from 2003-11 and from 2018 until his passing. He also served as president of Marquette University and the president of Georgetown Prep. He was chair of the Camden Catholic Board of Trustees from 2003-15.
Born in Camden, Father Pilarz graduated from Camden Catholic in 1977 and graduated from Georgetown University before entering the novitiate of Isaac Jogues in Wernersville, Pennsylvania. He was ordained a priest on June 13, 1922.
Father Pilarz held two master’s degrees and a doctorate.
He was a proud alumnus of Camden Catholic, once describing it as “the nation’s best Catholic school.” He told the Class of 2015 that “I love this place, I love for what it gave me.”
Other contributions he made to the school included partnering with friend and fellow alumnus Robert DiStanislao ’78 to renovate and rename the band room as the Pilarz-DiStanislao Performing Arts Center; helping to raise over $3 million for the renovation of the school’s cafeteria and library in its most recent capital campaign; and visiting the school frequently, meeting students and celebrating Mass.
“Scott gave us so much more than we could ever give him. His enduring work for Catholic education across the country, and his loyalty to Camden Catholic is a testament to his faith, his work ethic and his foundation as a graduate of CCHS,” remembered Camden Catholic President and good to Father Pilarz, Mary Whipkey.
“We will remember him always at CCHS, the lessons he taught us, the spirit he exuded and the faith that he shared so eloquently.”
Father Pilarz is survived by his parents, Ron and Joan Pilarz, a sister, Susan, and brother-in-law, Joseph Lappin, Lewisville, Texas, a niece, Carly, nephew, Joey, and grandniece, Marin.
A Mass of Christian Burial took place on Saturday, March 13. Memorial contributions can be made to The Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. Scholarship that will provide financial assistance to University of Scranton students. Contributions can be mailed to The Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., Scholarship care of: University Advancement, The University of Scranton, 800 Linden St., Scranton,18510. Contributions can also be made online.