Harold Leroy Hilliard
Harold Leroy Hilliard, 92, of Connoquenessing passed away on Thursday at Passavant Community in Zelienople.
Mr. Hilliard was born Oct. 27, 1926, in Butler, and was the son of the late William F. and Alda E. (Stauffer) Hilliard.
He was a graduate of Butler High School.
He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Suzanne (Boyer), on Dec. 16, 1944.
Mr. Hilliard was a veteran of the U.S. Navy in World War II, serving on the USS Essex (CV-9) Carrier.
He was a lifelong member of the Connoquenessing United Methodist Church, where he served as a steward.
Mr. Hilliard was employed as a machinist at the former Butler Armco for 44 years, retiring in 1989.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working in his yard and watching sports. He was an avid bowler. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially at his summer camp along the Allegheny River.
Mr. Hilliard leaves behind to cherish his memory his six children, Mrs. Cindy (Lou) Gatto of Ellwood City, Mrs. Kathie (Wayne) Saunders of Dunkirk, Md., Mr. Harold Thomas (Cheryl) Hilliard of Connoquenessing, Darlene Milstead of Fredericksburg, Va., Becky Dunlap of Butler, and Terri Brown of Apollo, Pa.
He will be greatly missed by his 19 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sister, Bonnie (Dan) Boyer of Canton, Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In a addition to his wife, a daughter, grandson, sister and brother preceded him in death.
The Hilliard family would like to thank all the staff of the Passavant Community and Hospice, Good Samaritans for the care and services given to him.
HILLIARD — Friends of Harold Leroy Hilliard, who died Thursday, June 20, 2019, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North St., Butler.A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor Bonnie Rupp officiating.Full military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 778, Lyndora, VFW Post 249 and American Legion Post 117, Butler.Private burial will take place in Butler County Memorial Park.In lieu of flowers, the family of Harold Hilliard suggests that donations be made to the Connoquenessing United Methodist Church, 206 Main St., Connoquenessing, PA 16027.Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.
