William J. Hilliard

William "Bill" J. Hilliard, age 62, of Painted Post, New York, passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Strong Memorial Hospital.
He was born on February 27, 1963, in Corning, New York, to William and Linda (Frawley) Hilliard. William was a 1981 graduate of East High School. He married the love of his life, Melody Fero, on February 20, 1988.
Bill was the head of the Research and Development Lab at the Hilliard Corporation in Elmira, where he dedicated nearly 40 years of his career.
He had a lifelong passion for hunting and was especially devoted to racing. He fell in love with racing at the age of five when his father first took him to Watkins Glen. He especially loved The Boot at the Glen and spent countless weekends watching races from there over the years. He even took Melody on there very first date to an over night race at the Glen.
Bill adored the holidays, especially Christmas and took great joy in spoiling his children and later his grandchildren. He will be remembered as a jokester, always ready for a laugh with family and friends. A lover of all sports, he often had a game playing in the background at home, or a classic rock station on the radio.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Melody Hilliard; two sons: David (Sarah) Fero of Horseheads, and Joseph Hilliard of Elmira Heights; his mother, Linda Frawley of Painted Post; grandchildren: Elliot and Philip Fero; his brother, Brian (Dawn) Hilliard of Horseheads; cousins: Jim Adriance of Vestal and Kim Hill of Minnesota; and nephews: Hunter Hilliard of New Mexico, Joseph Lackey of Cameron; niece: Emily Nero(Jordan) of Gillett.
In addition to his father he was predeceased by his step father Ted Frawley; uncle Douglas Adriance, aunt Sandra Adriance.
Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Phillips Funeral Home, 17 West Pulteney Street, Corning, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Williams name may be sent to Strong Memorial Hospital at www.urmc.rochester.edu/strong-memorial/about-us/giving.
Service Details
Visitation
When
Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location
Phillips Funeral Home
Address
17 W. Pulteney Street
Corning, New York 14830 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of William J. Hilliard, please visit our Tree Store.