James J. Hilliger

JAMES HILLIGER LEOMINSTER - James J. Hilliger, 92, died Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in Life Care Center of Leominster after a period of declining health. He is now reunited with his loving wife of 68 years, Rosemary T. (Fiolka) Hilliger, who died in July of this year. He is survived by four children: Steven A. Hilliger and his wife Stephanie, James J. Hilliger Jr., and his wife Melanie, Robert A. Hilliger, and Kathleen A. Leonardi; nine grandchildren: Andrew (Laura), Matthew, Mary (Bryan), Paul, Michael, Kyle and Zachary (Stephanie) Hilliger; Samantha Farrell (Max) and Alistair Leonardi; six great-grandchildren: Ryder, Jackson, Colton, Charlotte, Piper and Milo; sister, Helen Krajsky; many nieces, nephews, and their families. A brother, Albert Hilliger, predeceased him. James was born and raised in Bensenville, Ill., son of Albert C. and Helen Kathleen (Orford) Hilliger. He was a graduate of the local high school and a U..S Air Force veteran of the Korean War. Upon his safe return home, James and his wife Rosemary settled in Mt. Prospect, Ill., where they raised their family, and he began a fulfilling lifelong career with Mt. Prospect Fire Department, ultimately retiring as deputy chief in 1985 after 23 years of service. The two then retired to Lake Sara, Effingham, Ill., for many years before relocating to Massachusetts nine years ago to be closer to family. A member of Holy Family of Nazareth Parish, Leominster, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who relished every moment spent surrounded by those whom he loved. Their family enjoyed traveling the U.S. in their Avion Trailer, and later their Winnebago, and he meticulously planned each family trip well in advance, researching stops in and along the way. In addition, James and Rosemary enjoyed dressing up and attending countless round-dancing events. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Holy Family of Nazareth Church, 750 Union St., Leominster. Private burial will take place a later date in St. John's Cemetery, Lancaster. Arrangements are entrusted to McNally & Watson Funeral Home, 304 Church St., Clinton. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of James Hilliger to St. Jude’s or American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be placed at www.mcnallywatson.com.