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Eileen (Downing) Pilla, who was the first female mayor of Tarrytown from 1987 to 1999, died on Monday, Dec. 18 at the age of 91, according to her obituary.
Born in Tarrytown in 1931, Pilla attended Good Counsel Academy in White Plains, where she began her lifelong tendency to involve herself in countless activities. After graduating, she went on to attend the Washington School of Business and eventually became a business representative for the New York Telephone Company.
In 1951, she married Patrick Pilla and the couple settled down in Tarrytown together after his military service. There, Pilla began a life of service to the community, which culminated when she became a Tarrytown Village Trustee in 1984 and Mayor in 1987.
In addition to her political career, Pilla also dedicated much of her time to volunteer work. Throughout her life, she served on the Advisory Board of the Elizabeth Mascia Child Care Center and the Board of Directors of the Tarrytown YMCA; became the President of “Tarrytowners and Proud of It” and the Transfiguration Church Senior Group; and gave her time to the Scenic Hudson River Committee, Tarrytown Historical Society, Phelps Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and Exchange Club of the Tarrytowns, in addition to several other groups, her obituary said.
Even after she retired from her position as Mayor, Pilla continued serving her community as Vice-chairperson of the County of Westchester Planning Board, the Ossining Environmental Review Council, and the Eagle Bay Board of Directors.
Of all the accomplishments she had a hand in during her career, Pilla was most proud of Pilla Landing at the Scenic Hudson Riverwalk Park at Tarrytown, as she prioritized the redevelopment of the Tarrytown waterfront during her time as Trustee and Mayor.
"That vision has now become a successful reality," her obituary said.
When Pilla was not volunteering or working for her village, she could often be found spending time with her family, including Sunday breakfasts, school plays, sporting events, and cooking meals, according to her obituary.
"A beloved matriarch of her family, Eileen’s greatest attribute was the quiet, confident, caring way she carried herself; always such a great role model especially to the women and girls in her family and circle of friends," her obituary said.
Following Pilla's death, US Rep. Mike Lawler, NY-17, released a statement in which he recognized the immense influence Pilla had on the village.
"Eileen Pilla gave back enormously to the Tarrytown community that she loved and lived in from birth," Lawler said, adding, "She will long be remembered for her public service and the lasting impact she had on our community."
A visitation service for Pilla will be held on Friday, Dec. 29 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Coffey Funeral Home in Tarrytown at 91 North Broadway. A Mass of Christian Burial will then be held the next day, Saturday, Dec. 30 at 11 a.m. at Transfiguration Church in Tarrytown located at 268 South Broadway.
Pilla's full obituary can be read by clicking here.
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