It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Rilla, who left us on August 10, 2025. John, born on March 29, 1946, died peacefully at home under the care of his wife, Sharon Rilla, after an 8-month battle with cancer.

Above all, John will be missed for his affability and humor. His retirement years were full of golf at the GEAA, holiday parties at the house, and bocce down at the Italian American Club with his now deceased brother, Richard Rilla. He stayed in close touch with his brother Don and sister Lorraine who were especially helpful to him in the difficult months following his diagnosis.

In John's Lakeville and Westborough years, Sharon and he raised two boys, Jess and Josh. They shared a love of sports and James Bond films. John coached his sons’ Little League teams throughout their childhood and never took it easy on them in Billiards. Perhaps his greatest achievement (or their greatest embarrassment) was losing to him in a round of golf at the GEAA in his 78th year.

In John’s final few years, he became “Pops” to his grandkids, Emmeline and Samuel Rilla. Their presence brought out a playfulness and creativity in him that led to pillow fights, imaginary bear hunts, and the occasional boo-boo. John fell back on a tried and true prank, wearing a pillow as a hat, which sent his grandkids (and adult kids) into fits of laughter.

John and Sharon moved back to Pittsfield roughly 10 years ago to reconnect with family and friends. The support he and Sharon have received over these years, especially in these last 8 months, has been incredible. We cannot express in words the depth of our gratitude to everyone who has shared this time with us.

John did not want a service, so we are asking that folks use this website to send a brief memory of your time with John. We will be posting these memories all around the house during Thanksgiving, his favorite holiday, to honor him and hopefully get a little spiritual help in cooking the turkey.

Also, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Concetta J. Polidoro Rilla Scholarship Fund, an educational scholarship in John’s mother’s name which meant a great deal to him. Information on how to donate to the fund is under the "Give" tab on this website. 

Rest in peace, John, and thank you for the warmth and laughter you shared with us all. 

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