Herman E. Hilyer


Herman E. Hilyer, age 84, of Jamestown, N.Y., formerly of Erie, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 14, 2013. He was born in Marienville on April 16, 1929, son of the late Clyde S. and Almeda L. Cochran HilyerBarner.

Herman attended Marienville Area Schools and was a veteran of the U.S. Army during which he served four years as cook.

He was later employed as a heavy equipment engineer for 45 years with various companies within the Erie region. After retiring, he enjoyed working part time for Bobby's Place in Erie, Pa. He loved camping, hunting, four-wheeling, and the annual "Turkey Feed" in Ludlow, Pa. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW Post #470.

Herman was a strong man with a gentle heart, and his home was always open to anyone who needed a place to stay. His love for family, friends and his enjoyment for cooking made everyone feel welcomed. You never left his house hungry. He will be missed dearly by his family and everyone that had the opportunity to meet and get to know him.

Herman is survived by his second wife, Josephine R. Fusco Hilyer, whom he married November 16, 1996; one daughter, Theresa "Sis" Black of Erie; five sons, Herman Jr. of North East, Clyde "Buck" (Sharon) of Sheffield, Pa., James (Christine) of Jamestown, N.Y., John of Warren, Pa. and Mark (Stephanie) of Jamestown, N.Y.; three step-daughters, Lucy Schultz (Jay), Mary Jo Salvaggio (John) and JoAnn Murray (Shawn) all of Jamestown, N.Y.; two sisters, Ardith Knopf of Warren, Ines Lindsey (Kirby) of Barnes; one brother, Donald Hilyer (Becky) of Warren, Pa; one sister-in-law, Judy Barner of Sheffield, Pa. He is also survived by Joseph Laurie of Parry, N.Y. and Marybeth Starks of Jamestown, N.Y., whom Herman took in and raised as his own; 20 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly; and his believe dog, Liza, who he affectionately called "lil fella".

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jennie Laurie Hilyer who passed away on May 23, 1983; his step-father, Cecil Barner; one brother, Harry Hilyer; three sisters, Iola Hilyer, Ann Asel and Irma Spicer; five step-brothers, Ray, Art, Dick, Gene and Jack Barner; a step-sister, Beatrice Nufher; and two step-great-grandchildren, MacKenize and Savannah.

Friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral Home, on Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited to attend the Funeral Service there on Thursday at 11 a.m.

Private interment, Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.

Published in the Erie Times-News on July 16, 2013.