George Richard Pilcher, age 78, of Elgin, IL, returned to the Lord on July 22, 2026. He was born May 31, 1948 in Saint Paul, MN.

Adopted in infanthood by loving parents Robert and Helen Pilcher and sister Roberta, George spent much of his youth in northwest Chicagoland, including Des Plaines and Crystal Lake, graduating from Crystal Lake Central High School in 1966. Thereafter, he attended classes at Harper College and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. George obtained his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from University of Illinois Circle Campus in 1975.

In 1970, George enlisted in the Navy, where he served his country with honor as an airplane mechanic. He achieved the rank of AMS2 / E-5 and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal before completing his service in 1974 while stationed at Whidbey Island, WA. His military service would remain a touchstone throughout his life.

George dedicated his professional life to providing security and safety. His early career spanned private security investigations, residential/commercial fire and safety, and hospitality security. He progressed to managerial and directorial roles overseeing campus security and operations for a number of healthcare organizations, including Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, and University of Wisconsin Health System in Madison. He also volunteered as chapter president of the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety. In 2025, George retired from his long and distinguished career at the age of 77.

In his private life, George was a devout Christian and a proud patriot, whose life reflected his core value of service to others. In his spare time, he was a shooting enthusiast, a history buff, and a home landscaping dynamo who undertook projects with seemingly tireless enthusiasm. George was also a prostate cancer survivor, who would ultimately triumph over the disease and go on to live and thrive for another 20 years.

George was a caring and devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather, who always put family first and placed their needs before his own. Above all, he enjoyed being with his loved ones and traveled countless miles to spend time with them. So central was his love of family, that in his later years he and Sharon would spend much time and effort researching and reaching out to distant family and long-lost relatives, that he might extend those bonds of love even further.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helen Pilcher. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Pilcher; son, Chad (Alisha Johns-Pilcher) Pilcher; daughter, Melissa (Brian) Troyan; sister, Roberta Williston; and three grandsons, one granddaughter, and five great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 10:00am until funeral service at 12:00pm, Monday, August 3, 2026, at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120.  Rev. Glen Morden will be officiating.

Interment with military honors to follow at 2:30pm at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood, IL 60421.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in George’s name to a worthy cause of your choosing.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.