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Michael Hilliker Obituary
Oct 3, 2024
Beloved husband of Lee Marie Hilliker; dearest father of Kelly Fitzgerald and Shawn (Jennifer) Fitzgerald; extraordinary grandfather of Jessie (Casey) Ewald, Amy Cuenin (Marilyn Kush), Heather (Scott) Baxter, Amber (Zack) Imboden, Harry Fitzgerald and Henry Fitzgerald; cherished Papa of Cadence, Parker and Landon Ewald, Jack, Brynn and Ross Baxter, Murphy, Reagan and Harvey Imboden; and loving uncle of many nieces and nephews. As a deputy of 36 years in the Erie County Sheriff's Department, Michael had many accomplishments including his proudest professional achievement in which he received the NYS Deputy of the Year Award for rescuing two individuals from a plane crash in the Niagara River. Michael's passion for hockey led him to pursue a position as an off-ice official for the NHL for 13 years and he spent many years managing security at the Hilton Hotel, meeting countless remarkable people from the sports and entertainment industry. In all of Michael's pursuits, he managed to find unique and exceptional experiences that fueled his supply of memories and love of storytelling. Wherever he went and whoever he spoke to, Michael was sure to be praising his loved ones, friends and of course, Buffalo. Family visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday October 11 at St. Bartholomew's Anglican Church, 2368 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda; Funeral Service will begin at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice Buffalo. Arrangements by: CASTIGLIA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 824-6435. Please share your condolences at: www.castigliafuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Hilliker
Jackie Kwiatkowski
March 31, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Joyce Savasta
October 11, 2024
Lee- spoke with Sue Mesi who informed me of Michael´s passing. So very sorry for your loss. Though it has been many years since we have seen each other, the times and friends will never be forgotten. RIP to your dear husband.
Elizabeth Mathews
October 9, 2024
Dear Lee & family,
I’m so sorry to hear that your precious Husband, Father, Grandfather & loyal friend to everyone he cared about is no longer able to grace our presence. Lucky us who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a true Mensch in the way he lead his life and showed us how to fight and never give up & live life to the fullest.
He will be missed!
Kevin Murphy
October 8, 2024
Lee, sorry to hear of Mike´s passing. As you well know he was a hero, a great guy and well respected among his peers. Mike will be missed I am sure. Lee, I will keep you both in my prayers. May he RIP.
Fred Vincent
October 8, 2024
Lee so sorry to hear of Mike´s passing! He was a class guy who would call me very month to see how I was doing! Will miss him! RIP my friend ! Fred
Frank Henry
October 8, 2024
Mike was a class guy! Will miss him. God Bless his family.
dmm
October 7, 2024
Na zdrowie
Lisa Smith
October 7, 2024
Love & sympathy to you Lee; Clif and myself are so saddened to hear of Mike's passing. He was a huge force of nature and a wonderful friend to Cliff Smith Sr for a million years. He will be greatly missed. With heartfelt sympathy from Lisa & Clif Smith.
Sheila Fitzpatrick
October 7, 2024
Was so very sorry to hear of Mikes passing. What a guy...loved him! Love and prayers to Lee and entire Family and countless friends.
Jason Saramak
October 7, 2024
Lee, condolences to you and your family.
Bob McGurn
October 6, 2024
Sorry to hear of Mike's passing He was a good man,husband,father,grandfather,friend. GOD bless his soul and his loving family, and his loving wife Lee,who I worked with.
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