Charles Elmer Pillman, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025, at the age of 93.

A Life of Service
Charlie was deeply proud of his service in the United States Naval Reserve during the Korean conflict, where he served as a machine repairman aboard the Navy ship USS Hooper Island (ARG-17). His dedication to his country extended throughout his life, as he remained a proud life member of American Legion Post 637.

A Lifetime in Printing
After his military service, Charlie continued with his printing apprenticeship and built a long and accomplished career in the printing industry. His journey began at the Gilroy Dispatch, where he advanced to journeyman printer as a Linotype machine operator, responsible for both operations and maintenance. He became a member of the Bay Area Machinist Society, a group dedicated to the education and support of typesetting machine repair. From 1967 to 1968, he served as sub-foreman of the composing room at the Gilroy Evening Dispatch before transferring to its sister company, the Los Gatos Times-Observer, where he worked as a process cameraman.

In 1969, Charlie joined the San Jose Mercury News, where he worked for 27 years in various printing roles. From 1969 to 1985, he contributed to multiple departments, including floor and Linotype operations. As printing technology evolved, he adapted and mastered cold-type markup and advertisement setting on computers. In 1985, he was promoted to supervisor of the Apps Room on the night shift, later becoming the day shift supervisor in 1991. His dedication and leadership earned him and his team a Pulitzer Prize for their outstanding work publishing coverage of the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. He retired from the Mercury News in 1996, leaving behind a legacy of expertise and commitment.

A Passion for Trains
One of Charlie's greatest passions in life was trains. He was a dedicated volunteer docent and tour guide at the California State Railroad Museum, where he led over 2,000 tours and logged an impressive 5,858 hours. He took great joy in sharing railroad history with visitors from around the world and cherished the friendships he built with fellow volunteers.

His commitment to railroad safety extended beyond the museum. He volunteered with Operation Lifesaver, a national nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of trespassing on railroad property and grade crossings. He gave presentations to children and adults, helping to spread awareness and promote safety.

From 1995 to 1998, Charlie was a part of the California Trolley & Railroad Corporation (CTRC) and used his machinist skills to assist in the restoration of Steam Locomotive 2479 in San Jose, contributing his expertise to bringing a historic engine back to life.

To honor his lifelong love of railroads, Charlie is being laid to rest in his engineer overalls and hat—forever riding the rails.

A Life of Joy and Community
After retiring, Charlie moved to the Sacramento area, where he pursued another of his lifelong interests—carnival equipment. From 2001 to 2007, he operated the carousel at the Westfield Galleria Mall in Roseville and later at Arden Fair Mall. He was responsible for the full operation of the carousel and found immense joy in the music, the motion, and the delighted laughter of children of all ages. His dedication to his work earned him the Superstar of the Month award in 2002, an honor given to one outstanding mall employee across all store operations.

Charlie was also an enthusiastic square and round dancer. He began dancing with the Gilroy Gliders in the early 1970s and continued with multiple clubs over the years, eventually retiring from square dancing with the Mavericks Square Dance Club in Roseville. His love for music and movement took him across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, where he made many friends and unforgettable memories.

While visiting his mother, who had Alzheimer's, Charlie noticed that even those who could no longer communicate would tap their feet to the music. Realizing the joy that music and dance could bring to those afflicted, he founded Charlie's Angels, a group of volunteers that brought square dance entertainment to rest homes in the San Jose area. For over 25 years, they brightened the lives of dementia patients, spreading joy through dance and music.

A Life Well Lived
Charlie is survived by his children: Joyce Bruce (Steve), Carol Little (Ben), Mark Pillman (Penny), Sharon Pillman, and James (Jim) Pillman (Kelly); grandchildren: Scott Baran, Stephen Parra, Amanda Bruce, Julie Parra, Amy Manos, Kevin Bruce, Carl Pillman, Darrin Pillman, Tim Pillman, Kayla (Alex) Pillman, and Justin Pillman; and great-grandchildren: Maverick Manos, Carter Manos, Avery Hernandez, Ezekiel Hernandez, Arlo Pillman, and Harvey Pillman.

Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Life will be held in his hometown of Gilroy, CA, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 11 AM at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlie's memory can be made to a favorite charity, or to:

California State Railroad Museum Foundation: https://www.californiarailroad.museum/get-involved/donate
Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate
Charlie lived a full and meaningful life. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched—and in the sound of every passing train.