Raymond W. Hilko

1932 - 2023

Raymond W. Hilko, age 90, of Lorain, passed away at his home while under the care of Mercy New Life Hospice, on Monday, February 6, 2023.He was born on April 9, 1932 in Lorain where he lived his entire life and is a 1950A graduate of Lorain High School. After high school, in 1951, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served his country for 4 years before being honorably discharged. While serving, he made sure to make the trip home every chance he got to see the love of his life, Frances, who is now his wife of 69 years. A few years after his military discharge is when Ray began his interest and perfection of plastering. He mastered this skill throughout his entire life, up until the point that he could no longer do it. His main affinity however was helping anyone who needed help, even if they were a complete stranger. This is a large reason why he began his career as a fireman for the city of Lorain at the age of 29. He was outstanding at what he did and proudly did so for 29 years before retiring in 1989 at the age of 57.Raymond was a member of St. Peter's Church in Lorain. Aside from always wanting to help anyone and everyone and steadfastly caring for his family, he enjoyed boating, especially when he could go fishing and duck hunting.He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Frances M. (nee Cherubini); sons, Jeffrey R. (Marci K.) Hilko, of Amherst and Christopher (Beth) Hilko, of Lorain, and Raymond (Patty) Hilko, of Lorain; grandchildren, Bryan (Michelle) Hilko, Kristen (Sean) Colvin, Marc Hilko, and Lauren (Robert) Morton; great grandchildren, Hannah, Mia, Liam, and Joshua; and his brother, Robert Hilko, of Lorain.Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary (nee Roches) Hilko.The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 9th, 2023 from 11:00 am until the time of his Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 pm at St. Peter's Church, 3655 Oberlin Avenue, Lorain, OH 44053. Rev. Fr. Jerome Lajak will officiate. Interment, with full military honors, will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain. Arrangements are under the care of Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. To send an online condolence, please visit www.dovinreberjones.com.