Walter Pilditch Remembered As Dedicated Church Leader, Educator

CHICAGO, IL - Dr. Walter Pilditch, a man who lived all his 86 years in Beverly and whose impact included generations of students and church members, died on Christmas Eve. Friends and family will remember the active community member during a visitation and service on Thursday at St. Paul Bible Church, where he was a member from birth until death.

Pilditch served as an Elder, Trustee, Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher at St. Paul's, Senior Pastor Jason Kreider said. Kreider remembers Pilditch as "a good family man" and "someone you could always count on."

"I remember how much he cared for my family," Kreider said. "We aren't close in distance. They live in Ohio. But my kids always called Walter grandpa. I found that a lot of people viewed him as a welcoming part into their families. He made you feel welcome in his life, which was quite remarkable considering how busy he was. He made a deep, personal connection with a lot of people."

Pilditch was indeed busy. He spent 50 years as an educator for Chicago Public Schools, serving stints as principal at both Morgan Park and Curie high schools. In 1992, a Chicago Tribune archived report indicates he won a lawsuit of $70,000 against CPS on claims that he was unjustly demoted from his top job at Morgan Park two years earlier.

He was also principal at Jungman, Dulles and Lowe elementary schools, according to a CPS resolution honoring his retirement in 2001. Those who worked with him at CPS had kind words to say about Pilditch on his Legacy.com obituary.

"Dr. Pilditch was a tremendous educator in the CPS," Lavern Bailey remembers. "He was excellent with the children, but even after he gave his all serving the children, after retirement he served his colleagues. A true Giant in every capacity, we will miss him."

Alan Berger described Pilditch as "a man highly respected by all" who worked with him at CPS and Gloria Walker-Ricks says she will "never forget his kindness to everyone."

Pilditch stayed involved locally outside of CPS through his membership in the Lions Club, Kiwanis Club and The Beverly Hills University Club, his obituary states. He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 608 and served as Scoutmaster for many years, earning the "Silver Beaver" award several years ago.

"Walter was a wonderful man active in our community for over 50 years," 19th Ward Ald. Matt O'Shea said.

Kreider remembers his determination. Pilditch suffered a heart attack while working in the church office with him a couple years ago, but recovered quickly and returned to work.

"It was a lot of hard work on his part to recover from that," Kreider said. "I remember times telling him he doesn't have to keep doing everything he was doing. That he could do less. But he kept working and that made a big impression on me."

He was also popular with kids, often giving out candy do those who answered questions correctly during Vacation Bible School. And someone who showed a great appreciation for those who went on missions to other countries to tell others about Jesus, Kreider said.

"He loved the Lord, loved Jesus and that was such a central part of his life and legacy," Kreider said. "He would often say, 'I'm not a good person on my own, but Christ has been good to me and saved me.'"

Pilditch will be remembered with a visitation at 10:30 a.m. and memorial service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 4 at St. Paul's Bible Church, 1960 W. 94th St. in Chicago.

Photo courtesy of St. Paul's Bible Church