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GARY HILLYER Obituary
Age 63, of Penn Hills, peacefully on Monday, July 19, 2010, husband of Renee Hillyer; father of Sean (Kimberly) Hillyer and Mariamber (Tony) Harris; brother of Douglas Hillyer; grandfather of Aysia and Avery; brother in law of Cheryl McKnight; uncle of Brandon & Keaton Nichols; also survived by a host of other relatives & friends. Visitation Wed. 6-9pm in the Ethnan Temple S.D.A. Church, 1205 Wood St., Wilkinsburg where funeral service will be held on Thurs. at 11am. Professional services entrusted to COSTON FUNERAL HOME, INC. 412-661-5916
www.costonfuneralhome.com
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Brien Richards
February 15, 2011
I met Gary in late 1966. We were both members of the Recondo Platoon, Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, of the 502nd Airborne Infantry Regimant, 1st Brigade, of the 101st Airborne Divison. Our platoon was the finest Long Range Parol Team in the Brigade. We were the most tactically proficiant unit, and we worked well together; we had to for survival. we were a small unit, going to the field with between 34 and 38 people; if we had two medics, 1 or 2 Artty Forward Observer people, and 2 engineers. Gary was a Machine Gunner. He was very, very good. In the heat of a heavy engagement, you would hear Gary yelling at the enemy, then laughing that special laugh of his. He was an exceptionaly fine,and couragous Warrior. He was also very good man, and a blesseing to have as a friend. He was never down, no matter how bad things might get. I remmeber one time We were in Kontum province, which is where Dak To can be found. Gary needed to relieve himself, so he came through our two man position and let us know he would be out in front, of us taking care of business. It was a great sunny day as Gary moved out bveyond the confines of the deffensive perimeter. Even though he was partially hidden by foliage, we could still make him out in the bush. When he dropped his britches, In hollard out to him, 'Hillyer, you're the only Soul Brother I know with a tan line.' We laughed a lot over that observation, and we were the best of friends from then on. Gary and I were reunited after nearly 41 years, and he had not changed one iota. He was still the great man with the outsadning sense of humor. As he drove accross the US, he would stop and visit. He could of had anything he wanted to eat. In his modest way he would just ask for some bread, peanut butter, and jelly. Maybe something to drink, and he was set. I cried the day he died. I cried for him and for Rene. We loved them both and considered them family. I was lost for days with a hole in my heart and soul. A piece of me was missing. Gary, my good firend, my brother in arms, was gone. I had lost other friends; some from high school, and some from Nam. The ones from Nam always leave the biggest hurt. I know that most are with God. I hope all are with God. I know that when Gary died. God took him in his arms and said 'welcome home soldier'.
I love you man, I love the memories we have had, I welcome the fact that we will meet again in God's kingdom. God Bless Gary Hillyer, the best of the best. And God Bless Rene, his loving wife. I am blessed again because I have 'met' Sean Hillyer, Gary's son. He is another fine man. who has done some very good things with his life. I know Gary looks down at Sean and smiles. He is vey pleased with his son.
God Bless the Hillyer family. amen.
Brien Richards known as 'Rich' while with the Recondos.
Pointman, 3rd squad, Second Section, Recondo Plt, H.H.C., 2/502, 1st BDE, 101st ABN.
Timothy Allman
February 13, 2011
Gary I had the privledge to serve with you in 1967. To Garys family I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you and keep you safe....
Christopher Smith
September 3, 2010
Gary will be missed,through the rest of my "LIFE".He would be loading at Letterkenny Army Depot,and he would put out a call for the" WIDOWMAKER"May" GOD" watch over you,until we meet "AGAIN".Renee "GOD" will take care of "YOU"!!! "DOC"" DZ" Smith-"RECONDO'S"
Nimrod Goings
August 10, 2010
To Renee and Family,
I am so sorry for the pain you are feeling. Gary and I were classmates(65) attending Pine Forge Academy. When ever he would drive through Wash. DC.He would always call and stop by. A true friend in deed. May God bless and keep his blessings upon you.
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Karen Galanda
August 9, 2010
To Gary's family,
I just heard the news and I am so,so sorry. If I will miss him alot I can't imagine your loss. He was one of our volunteers here in ACJ & when we talked it was always fun to hear what part of the country he was in this time. He always had a smile in his voice, even when sharing his rotten news. I will really miss him & our conversations. He taught me alot!
Karen Galanda, Office Manager
Chaplain's Office, ACJ
Walter Keyes
August 5, 2010
To Gary's Wife and children. My prayers are with you. I served with Gary in 1967 it was my honor to have known him. Very sorry for your loss.
Brother in arms Walter Keyes
Neilla Cenci
July 25, 2010
My thoughts and prayers of comfort to the family. I was fortunate to meet Gary twice when he was here in California visiting Greg Nutter. His laughter echos in my mind, his inspiration was tremendous and his love of family and friends was amazing. He touched my life. The memories of times you had together will keep him close to you until you meet again. God Bless
greg nutter
July 25, 2010
Renee: It was an honor to serve in 1967 with Gary and a lot of other great recondos. I am so greatful he would call me on his way through Newhall CA and stop in to say hi. I had the privledge of introducing him to some very close friends of mine. He was a blessing to be around, always made everyone around him a better person. I love you and Gary, Be well Greg Nutter
July 22, 2010
Renee,
Calvin and I just got the news of the passing of your husband, Gary. Our hearts of saddened at this loss. We will be praying for you and your family during this very difficult time.
Calvin and Daphne Lindo
Richard Adkins
July 22, 2010
To Gary's familly, children and wonderful wife Renee; May God send the Holy Spirit to comfort you until we see him again in heaven. I recruited Gary to the Champaign, Illinois Police Department and he was a great officer and humanitarian.He understood when people were in pain and he comforted and encouraged them. He was my friend and he will be missed.
Inez McDonald Katzbeck
July 22, 2010
To The Hillyer Family, As a person who grew up with Gary in Glen-Hazel, and knew Gary as a very nice and respectful person. I know he will be missed by all of his family and friend's. I pray Gods Blessings upon you all, and to you Doug, his brother.
Inez Mcdonald Katzbeck
Angie & Ellison Moses III
July 22, 2010
In honor of wonderful person who will truly be missed, your memory will always be in our hearts. Re'nee may you and your family be comforted during your time of bereavement. Remember, God will never leave you nor forsake you and He heals the brokenhearted. May God bless you, give you peace, and continue to keep you in His care.
MICHAEL LOVINGOOD
July 21, 2010
GOD'S SPEED MY FREIND IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR TO HAVE SHARED YOUR TIME KEEP ON TRUCKING
DOG MIKE
July 21, 2010
To Gary's wife Renee, children, and extended family please except our deepest sympathy for your loss. Gary and I served together in the Nam back in 67, he was the 60 gunner in my squad, the best! He stopped at our house in Haverhill,Mass after we lost our son Evan in Afghanistan in 2003. He was one of the best in all he did. My wife Barbara and I will always remember his smile and good humor when he was in our house. He is now in Ft.Heaven with all the other Hero's that have gone before. God bless you all, and keep the faith.
Tom Bailey
July 21, 2010
I was fortunate to have served in Viet Nam along side Gary Hillyer.I met him once more after the war,and He will be forever missed by fellow "Recondo"s" and His loving family,peace to you Brother.
Cal Rollins
July 21, 2010
To My Brother in Arms, who I will not see in flesh again,
God has not seen fit to take me yet, but we shall meet again one day. We will tell stories and laugh and cry with each other. But until that day, I am humbled at the opportunity to fall into your position in the formation. I know that although you may not be physically present, your spirit is with us. I pray that God bless your family and brings them comfort in this time of pain. I promise not to bring dishonor on your name, and I will try to fill the enormous shoes you have left behind. Save me a seat in Heaven, the Team will be along shortly..
Your Brother in Arms,
Cal "Preacher" Rollins, SSG USA RET
HHC 2/502 RECONDOS 101ST ABN DIV
Vietnam 66-67
B Co Omega Recon USSF
Vietnam 68-69
Robert Dellorso
July 21, 2010
The earth will never be the same without Gary he was one of the finest men I've ever known.
May the good Lord embrace his soul for eternity. All my sympathy to Rene and all of Gary's family.
John Briggs
July 21, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Roy and Paula Gregg
July 21, 2010
Renee, we just got the news and our hearts are broken. We were sharing many fond memories of Gary last night. You and the rest of the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jo Jo
July 21, 2010
I love you dad! I will forever be your girl. love always ~ JoJo
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