Milo Duane Hilty

Dr. Milo Duane Hilty, a man of quiet strength, brilliant mind, and a deeply compassionate heart, passed away peacefully on the morning of February 16, 2026, at the age of 86. At the time of his passing, he was in the care of Hospice at The Ganzhorn Suites in Powell, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Born in Pandora, Ohio, on June 26, 1939, Milo was the son of the late Duane and Helen (Warkentin) Hilty. Though his career would take him to the heights of medical research, he never lost the spirit of the Swanton farm where he grew up. He graduated from Swanton High School in 1957, carrying the values of hard work and humility into his studies at The Ohio State University. In 1965, he earned his MD, beginning a lifelong journey of healing as a specialist in Pediatric Infectious Diseases.

In 1961, Milo married the love of his life, Susan "Susie" Thomas. Theirs was a partnership built on a shared calling to care for others; while Milo practiced medicine, Susie served as a registered nurse. Together, they navigated 65 years of marriage, a journey marked by unwavering devotion, shared travels, and a growing family tree that served as Milo's greatest source of pride.

Milo's professional legacy is etched into the halls of Nationwide Children's Hospital, where he served as Chief of Infectious Diseases and a mentor to countless residents. Whether he was conducting clinical research, developing vaccines at Ross/Abbott Labs, or authoring patents, his ultimate motivation was always the children. He was a quiet man in his field and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a healthier future for the smallest among us.

Even with his numerous accolades, Milo remained a humble man who found peace in the simple things. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, a dedicated deacon at Worthington Presbyterian Church, and, in his rare moments of rest, a man who loved to return to the earth through farming. Guided by a strong work ethic and a belief in philanthropy, he was dedicated to giving back to the institutions and communities that defined his life.

His memory will be cherished by his wife and partner in all things, Susie; his children, Greg (Lora) Hilty and Julie (Mark) Hope; and his grandchildren, Adam (Carolin Fink) Hope, Erin (Jay Yamamoto) Hope, Chelsea Hilty, and Dustin (Megan) Hilty. He also leaves behind 6 great-grandchildren who will grow up hearing stories of their great-grandpa's kindness, as well as his siblings, Bob (Judy) Hilty and Martha (Bill) Kern, and 7 nieces and nephews.

Milo lived by the belief that a life well-lived is one spent in service to others. While his presence will be profoundly missed, his influence lives on in the lives of the children he healed and the family he loved so much.

Per the family's wishes, no formal services will be held.

In honor of Milo's lifelong dedication to medicine and children, those wishing to make a gesture of remembrance may contribute to Nationwide Children's Hospital or The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

The Snyder Funeral Center, Delaware Chapel is assisting the family.

To share a fond memory of Milo or to offer condolences to his family, please visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com