William J. Hilty

William J. Hilty, 78, of Ford City, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2019 in his residence.

A son of the late Ralph T. Hilty and Bertha Mae (Smail) Hilty, he was born on December 26, 1940, in Parks Township, PA.

William had been employed as a bundler with Allegheny Ludlum in West Leechburg and Vandergrift for 30 years before retirement.  He was a member of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church (Brick Church) in Burrell Township.  William enjoyed making maple syrup and wine, smoking meats, playing cards and travelling (especially going to camp and Benezette to see the elk).  He was a member of the Dry Hollow Hunting Camp and a lifetime member of the Keystone Elk Country Alliance.

Survivors include his son, David Hilty (Kristine) of Ford City; his daughter, Sharon Rutherford of Hartselle, AL; five grandchildren: Sasha Favor (Kory), Patrick Curry, Katrina Messinger, Leah Tatsak (Adam) and Evan Hilty (fiancé Emily); a brother, George T. Hilty (Evelyn) of Ford City; three sisters, Maxine Cooper of Michigan, Ruth Montgomery (Bill) of Ford City and Rose Debnar (Emil) of Kittanning; and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Alice K. (Knell) Hilty in Nov. 2015; three brothers, Wayne, Ronald and Ralph Hilty Jr.

Friends welcomed by his family on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019 from 6-8 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 20, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Clawson Funeral & Cremation Center, 170 Main Street, Leechburg (724-842-1051).  Additional visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. immediately followed by funeral ceremonies on Saturday, Sept. 21, at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 2244 Garretts Run Rd., Ford City, with Pastor Barbara Love officiating.  Interment following at Brick Church Lutheran Cemetery in Burrell Twp.

In lieu of flowers, donations in William’s name may be made to the Keystone Elk Country Alliance, 134 Homestead Dr. – PO Box 315, Benezette, PA 15821. 

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