Obituary of John W. Hilts, Sr.

BURLINGTON FLATS - Mr. John W. Hilts, Sr., 73, of the Town of Exeter, passed away unexpectedly at his home with his beloved wife at his side on Friday March 30, 2018. He is the husband of Robin (Bala) Hilts. They were married on October 23, 1975, a loving union of 42 years.

He was born in Ilion, NY on April 9, 1944 a son of the late Elwood and Ann (Wardzinski) Hilts. John went to school in Ilion, NY and later served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era and was honorably discharged. He was a 100 % Disabled American Veteran.

The most important thing for John was spending time with his family. He was a passionate deer hunter. He enjoyed collecting antiques with his brother Chuck (They were true "American Pickers"), refinishing furniture, fishing and auctions. He just absolutely loved to be in the presence of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his beloved wife Robin L. Hilts; his children: Jake Hilts and his wife Janet of Edmeston, NY, John Hilts, Jr. and his wife Vickie of Garrattsville, NY, Melissa Conkling and her husband Jake of Fairport, NY, Angela Harrer of Schuyler Lake and Alicia Hilts of Burlington Flats, NY; grandchildren: Brandon Hilts, Erica Hilts, Daniel Hilts, Stephanie Hilts, Andrew LaPorte, Nicholas LaPorte, Wyatt Hilts, Ember Hilts, Cayden Green, and Miya Conkling; three great-grandchildren; his brothers: Elwood (Neva) Hilts, Robert (Juanita) Hilts, Donald (Michelle) Hilts, Richard (Ruth) Hilts, sisters: Marilyn Murphy, Bev Fike, Carlotta (Cap) Fuller; In laws: Kathleen Hilts, Ann Hilts, Wendy & Lester Fort, and Shawn and William Fuller and over a hundred special nephews, nieces, and cousins.

He was predeceased by brothers Ronald, William and Charles Hilts and a sister Shirley Gay.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Saturday, April 7th, 2018 from 3pm - 5pm and the funeral will be held at the funeral home Saturday at 5:00 pm, with Pastor Sue Holland, officiating. Both at The Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road (Main Street), Ilion, NY. Interment will take place later in the Spring of 2018 at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer where full military rites will be accorded. Anyone wishing to share a memory of John, or add to his online memorial, may go to: www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.