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James HILLERY Obituary

HILLERY - James R. "Jim" April 16, 2015. Beloved husband of Kathleen (Maloney); dear father of James (Peggy), Joseph (Ann), John (Denise), Mary Beth Gallagher, Margaret (Michael) Giacobello, Mark (Elaine), Michael (Kelly), David (Katie) and Karen (James) Downey; loving grandfather of 31 and great-grandfather of one; son of the late Judge John D. and Eva (Prentis) Hillery; brother of Mary (late Tom) Collins and the late Jane Hillery, John D. Jr., and Barbara Hillery. Friends may call Sunday from 4-7 PM and Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the JAMES W. CANNAN FUNERAL HOME INC., (Southtowns Chapel), 3155 Orchard Park Rd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at 11:30 AM at Our Lady of Charity Parish (St. Ambrose Worship Site) Please assemble at church. Entombment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Judge John D. Hillery Memorial Scholarship, 601 McKinley Pkwy., Buffalo, NY 14220. Jim was a school teacher at School 72 for 33 years and a proud alumnus of Bishop Timon and St. Bonaventure. Online condolences at www.CANNANFH.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Buffalo News from Apr. 18 to Apr. 19, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for James HILLERY

Not sure what to say?





Jim Banko

April 12, 2021

Truly, one of the finest gentleman I have ever known. Coach, teacher, mentor, jim Hillary was the epitome of grace, empathy & class. Those of us who knew jim were blessed.

Karen Astyk (Miranda)

April 13, 2020

Mr. Hillary was such a huge part of my childhood at School 72. I can see his smile as he greeted us in the morning. He encouraged us to join hands with the boys (eeek!) during square dancing, and also when we did the horse or the rings! During gym class. Im still not coordinated at age 66 Mr. Hillary, but God Bless you for trying

Chuck Griesinger

April 12, 2020

Great personality, always friendly.I think about him often.

Tim Fitzgerald

May 9, 2015

My sincerest condolences. Mr. Hillery lives on in the hearts of so many of us sons of South Buffalo. He was a great guy and will be missed.

Jimmy banko

April 25, 2015

May God bless Mr. Hillery now and forever . Tremendous gentlemen and example of for all. You'll be missed Mr Hillery

Mary Zern

April 24, 2015

Our sincere sympathy to Jim's Family,
Jim was always respected;always respectful, always fun!
A life well lived. May all the happy memories bring you comfort always!
Mary Lu and Jim Zern

Luke Cybulski

April 21, 2015

Mark ,
My sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad .

April 21, 2015

Most sincere condolences to the Hillery family on the loss of your husband, father & grandfather.

I had the honor to play for Jim as a youth and then to referee basketball with him later in life.

He will be missed.

May God give him heaven!

Terry Dunford

Dan and Pattie (Keane) Marren

April 21, 2015

Mr. Hillery, I am sure Big Tom has a cold beer and your golf clubs waiting for you. Thank you for all the smiles. Our sincere sympathies to the Hillery Family.

April 21, 2015

Jim Hillary and Mulroy park are synonymous. Mr. Hillary made many boys into men there. What a guy.
Jim & Jimmy. Banko

Tim Wellenzohn

April 21, 2015

To the Hillery Family,
Your Dad was our gym teacher at 72 and big supporter of the class of 82 at Timon. He taught us to be hard workers and good sports...Thanks for the memories!
Tim and Jim Wellenzohn and families

April 21, 2015

What can I say that hasnt been said. One of the finest. Rah RAh sis boom bah!! Will always be remembered.

Kevin Byrnes

April 21, 2015

South Buffalo's greatest, God bless you Mr. H.

Joseph Wright

April 21, 2015

Joseph M. Wright

Jim Higgins

April 21, 2015

Jim, John and Hillery Family,

I was so sorry to hear about your father's passing. What a wonderful man and true gentleman. He will be missed by so many in South Buffalo.

Dave & Annette Sengbusch

April 21, 2015

Sending our sincere sympathy to the family.

Missy Glavey-Labedz

April 21, 2015

So very sorry for your loss! I loved your Dad! He was such a sweet and happy man that greeted you with a big smile and made everyone feel like a friend. I will miss running into him here in Florida and during our summers in Buffalo. Much love to all of you during this difficult time. xoxo

Thalia Pierakos-Dierken & Dan Dierken

April 20, 2015

John and the entire Hillery Family,
My thoughts go out to you all. Your dad was my gym teacher at PS #72 and was always the sweetest man. He never let the boys pick on the girls or play rough in class. Always a true gentleman! I will remember him fondly. My condolences to you all.

Lynn Schwab Wannemacher

April 20, 2015

Mark and Family,
Sorry about your dad and my coach. Had a blast on St.Martins basketball team with him as coach. Even the early Saturday mornings at Tosh. Thoughts of him bring a smile to my face..

Lynn 'Perky' Schwab Wannemacher

April 20, 2015

Cory McAllister

April 20, 2015

He was a genuine, honest, hard working, friend, and mentor to many. Always in our hearts.

George Ellis

April 20, 2015

Moose and Hillery family.....I will miss your Dad, what a great man dedicated to his family, Timon, coaching, South Buffalo and passionately making that all happen! My Dad, who taught your Dad at Timon thought the world of him too! A gentleman, a class act always welcoming with a smile and a big "hey Ace" whenever we saw each other. I feel blessed to have known him and I will always have fond memories of him. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to you and the Hillery family at this sad time.

Rhonda Boulden

April 20, 2015

I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your dear father and grandfather (and great-grandfather). May he rest in peace.

Paul Nolan

April 20, 2015

To the Hillery Family,

Mr. Hillery was my gym teacher at PS #72, my golf coach at Timon, and he always had kind words of support (and sometimes even a snack and or golf balls) when I needed them. My condolences to the family and the South Buffalo Community.

Mary Ellen Whelan

April 20, 2015

Kay and Family, My thought and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I have many fond memories of my husband Dick "Burr" Whelan and Jim watching the news and solving the worlds problems in Molly's.

Tim Higgins

April 20, 2015

I never had the honor to play for Mr.Hillery. But he coached me anyway, even though I pitched for the other team! And when he greeted you (Caz)he made it a joyous occasion. What a wonderful man. God Bless all of you.

April 20, 2015

To the Hillary Family my sincere condolences. Mr. Hillary was one of my favorite teachers at PS 72. He always had a smile and words of encouragement. You are all in my prayers.
Karen Astyk (Miranda)

Brian Danahy

April 19, 2015

I remember as a kid pestering my father for weeks to call Mr. Hillery... "He knows where to get the best hockey gear at the best price!" Thanks Mr. Hillery for all you did for so many people.

Joe Schoellkopf

April 19, 2015

To Dave, Katie and the entire Hillery family:
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He was a great South Buffalonian and "Timon Guy." I have many fond memories from when he was at Hillery Playground during summer. He always had time for every kid and sometimes even let us help him set up the diamonds for the day. Later, I occasionally played 9 holes with him at Caz, before he became the starter. How lucky my family is to have had his son and his family for neighbors. God bless you all and hope to see you soon

Dennis J. Bossi

April 19, 2015

My prayers and sorrow to the entire Hillary family. Officiated with Jim many times,many years ago. A true gentlemen one of the good guys to be around.

Colleen Bridge

April 19, 2015

So sorry to hear about Mr. Hillery. Such a great teacher. I remember him from my days at School #72 and always a great friend to my Uncle Marty. Thoughts and prayers to the whole Hillery family.

Maryann Mehs

April 19, 2015

May you and yours be blessed during this difficult time. What a wonderful legacy he has left behind.

April 19, 2015

So sorry David and Family for your loss. May God wrap his arms around you during this difficult time.
-Nicole Rydzynski

Kevin Cully

April 19, 2015

Always a mentor and good friend. A smile that could be recognized a mile away. I'll miss you Mr. H, and I'll forever be thinking about you every time I tee off at Caz... Godspeed.

Jack Tatta

April 19, 2015

Mr. Hillery will always be missed by many. As for me, he was one of the finest men I have ever had the honor to take the field for. Myself, and the many others he gave up his personal time to teach. His influence and friendship to all the boys he coached on the St. Martins summer baseball team back in the 70s will and have lasted since that time. I would like to thank the Hillery family for sharing their Dad, Husband with us. He gave me the opportunity to meet other kids from different parishes in south buffalo and beyond many of which I am still friends. Thank You Mr. Hillary, you will always hold a special place in my, and many other hearts. God has had your place waiting for many many years.

Chuck Griesinger

April 19, 2015

I never knew a better person in my life.

Donald Iannuzzelli

April 19, 2015

So sorry for your loss. Cut Jim's hair for years. He will definitely be missed. Will still be looking for him at Caz. Don and Joanne Iannuzzelli

My heart aches Gpa

Jake Giacobello

April 18, 2015

Another Grandson 'Jake' Attends Timon

Mary Beth Hillery

April 18, 2015

Kathy Pods

April 18, 2015

Everyone has a Mr Hillery story, if it isn't back in the day, helping a family w/tuition, its coaching, school & church, or just waiting on the Hillery's at Blackthorn / Early Times. RIP Mr Hillery, its been a pleasure.

Kevin McDonald

April 18, 2015

Jim, John and the rest of the family, my thoughts are with you all.
Your Dad was a great man. He made a difference in many,
I fondly reflect on my days at PS 72 doing "skin the cat" on the rings and oh yes "square dancing".
We were all blessed to know him and enjoy his company.
God bless you all.

Michael Miller

April 18, 2015

Mr. Hillery was my favorite teacher at school 72. He was a great man. He taught me so much you were such an inspiration to me. Mr. H you will be greatly missed. My condolences to the entire Hillery family.

Mel Palano

April 18, 2015

Dear Hillery Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. May God give you comfort and strength in the days ahead. Your family is in my prayers. God Bless.

Mike Klesic

April 18, 2015

I knew Jim from playing golf at Caz, he was one of the kindest nicest people I have met in my life. We would shoot the breeze over a nice cold beer at the picnic table. I'll never forget what a gentleman he was. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his loved ones during this sad time. RIP Mr Hillery, all of your golf shots will surely be birdies and eagles.

Ed Klavoon

April 18, 2015

Dear Kay and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jim was one of the most influential men in my life. His guidance as a coach, teacher, and friend are among my most valuable assets. His smile will be missed but never forgotten. The gates of Heaven open wide to greet him.

Kathy Scanlon-Snyder

April 18, 2015

To the Hillery Family - I am so sorry for your loss and know that your father touched the hearts of a great number of people. He will be missed and our thoughts and prayer are with all of you. RIP Mr. Hillery and God Bless you and your family.

Nancy Keane-Bundt

April 18, 2015

To the Hillery Family: Your husband, father, and grandfather leaves a beautiful legacy. He was kind, generous with his time, funny, and a true gentleman. My Dad enjoyed his company at Caz Golf Course. How they would joke around. My husband enjoyed bowling with him at the Bowl Inn. I had the pleasure of talking to him and hearing all the crazy stories. He will be missed, but never forgotten. Deepest Sympathy, Mike and Nancy Bundt

Chris Swiatek

April 18, 2015

God bless Coach, you were such an inspiration to us all. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hillery family.

Pat & Ruth Daley

April 18, 2015

Kay and the entire Hillery family, we are very sorry for your loss. Jim will be remembered as one of the greatest in South Buffalo history. He was the hardest working and giving person. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sharon Turner

April 18, 2015

To Mr Hillery's Family, I am so very sorry for your loss, and the loss of a Great Teacher and wonderful man......he was my favorite at ps 72!!!! God Bless him, and his family........With prayers and Friendship, (Sharon Miranda)

Theresa Caulfield

April 18, 2015

Kay and family I'm sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man. He will be greatly missed in South Buffalo and throughout Timon.

Jim (Himo) Zatlukal

April 18, 2015

I remember Jim from teen baseball, he was one of the nicest guys I ever knew.

Tim Leahy

April 18, 2015

To the Hillery Family. Sorry for your loss , your dad was a great guy.

Jim Charleton

April 18, 2015

He was a great man

Dan Kiernan

April 18, 2015

Mr Hillary was one of the best men, role models we knew growing up. Our prayers are with him and his family.

April 18, 2015

To the Hillery family,
Please accept our condolences on the passing of Jim. He was a giving and fun person. We knew him from Caz golf course and his generous involvement at Timon. We will all miss him.
Joan and Paul Purcell

Tim Esford

April 18, 2015

"Coach"....it was an absolute honor to know him. The word GENTLEMAN never described a better man.
May God bless the family and hold "Coach" a place on the first tee,with his pal Tom Keane.

Michael Higgins

April 18, 2015

To the entire Hillery family, your Dad will be missed, but always remembered, so sorry for your loss....

JOHN SCHINTZIUS

April 18, 2015

GOD BLESS

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