Harold Leroy Hilliard, 92, of Connoquenessing, Pennsylvania, passed away on June 20, 2019 at Passavant Community, Zelienople, PA.
Mr. Hilliard was born October 27, 1926, in Butler, to the late William F. and Alda E. (Stauffer) Hilliard.
He was a graduate of Butler High School. He married his high school sweetheart, the late Mary Suzanne (Boyer) on December 16, 1944. Mr. Hilliard was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, WWll, serving on the USS Essex (CV-9) Carrier. He was a life-long 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, watching sports, and 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 7 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Bonnie (Dan) Boyer of Canton, OH and numerous nieces and nephews.
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.
Friends of Harold Leroy Hilliard will be received on Monday, June 24, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North Street, Butler, PA 16001.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Thompson-Miller Funeral Home with Pastor Bonnie Rupp, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family of Harold Hilliard suggest that donations be made to the Connoquenessing United Methodist Church, 206 Main St., Connoquenessing, PA 16027.
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 the Butler County Memorial Park.
Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.