Michael J. Hillebrand

Michael J. Hillebrand, Scott Township, died Thursday September 4th at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the loving and supportive husband of the former Barbara Huth. The couple, who were inspired to marry for the Bicentennial in 1976, would have celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary on October 16, 2025.

He was born September 4, 1947, in Saint Marys, PA and was the son of the late Joseph and Patricia McMackin Hillebrand. He was a graduate of Elk County Catholic High School in Saint Marys.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Upon completion he began working in the textile industry at Doweave and was one of four inventors of an innovative weaving technique for technical fabrics. In 1988, he founded Material Technology & Logistics, Inc. (MTL, Inc.), a weaving mill for commercial and residential textiles. He served as president for 37 years until his passing. He was a compassionate, inspirational and charismatic owner, co-worker and friend to everyone on the MTL team. He led by example and made a point to be at the mill 7 days a week and to interact with every person at MTL, on every shift, every single day.

An avid outdoorsman and conservationist, he enjoyed his annual fishing trip with his college fraternity brothers of Phi Sigma Kappa and fellow members of the Sinnemahoning Sportsmen’s Club for over 50 years. Before finding a passion for raising Scottish Highlander and White Faced Hereford cattle, he and his children enjoyed owning horses, goats, and sheep on the family farm. He was deeply committed to environmental preservation and farmland conservation. Never content to sit still, Mike reveled in all aspects of operating the farm, from baling hay to bottle feeding calves and constructing stone walls around the property. He shared his love of the land with all generations of his family, incorporating fishing, hiking, horseback riding, ice skating on ponds, cross country skiing, tobogganing, tending to the horses and cows, hayrides, and camping into their lives. His grandchildren never visited the farm without seeing the cows, going for a ride through the fields on an ATV, or being given too many sweets from his endless supply of chocolate, ice cream, and donuts.

Mike was active in the community and a proud supporter of area organizations, such as Scranton Prep, the Scranton Cultural Center, Women’s Resource Center, Children’s Advocacy Center, United Way, St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, and his grandchildren’s sports teams.

Also surviving are a son Thomas, (wife Grace Hillebrand), South Abington and two daughters, Megan Marion (husband Scott Marion), Waverly and Leigh Hillebrand (partner David Cruz) Alexandria, VA; six grandchildren Henry, Benjamin, Gretta, and Beau Hillebrand and Molly and Clara Marion; two brothers Joseph (Marilyn Metcho), Moscow and Patrick (Maryann), Kersey; a sister Kathy Farrell, Wellsboro; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a daughter Elizabeth Patricia and 3 brothers: Thomas, Timothy, and Steven.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, September 11, 2025 from 4 pm to 7 pm at Glenmaura National Golf Club, 100 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic, PA 18507. A private funeral service will be held by the family in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Saint Marys, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made to Countryside Conservancy, 1 College Green, La Plume PA 18440 or www.countrysideconservancy.org/