William Stewart Hillman

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of William Stewart Hillman, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, at the age of 85, surrounded by his loving family.
William was born in Corning, New York, on April 14, 1939, to Francis Charles and Carrie Antoinette (Copeland) Hillman. He graduated from Corning Free Academy in 1957, where he played football, track, and volleyball and was an active member of the senior high glee club and conservation club. From an early age, he embodied the values of kindness, integrity, and an adventurous spiritqualities that would define his entire life.
William lived a life filled with adventure, service, and deep dedication to his family. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1960, embodying honor and duty before embarking on a long and distinguished career with Corning Incorporated as an electrical engineer and instrument mechanic. His work took him across the world, and he embraced every journey with a spirit of curiosity and wonder. He shared that love of adventure with his family, taking them on unforgettable trips across the country. He packed up his children, nieces, and nephews and set off on road trips, including a two-week journey across the country to Yellowstone National Parka car full of kids, laughter, and the joy of discovering new places together. Whether traveling or simply spending time together, William made every moment meaningful.
A man of simple yet profound joys, William cherished lifes small pleasuresa well-poured beer, the soothing sounds of jazz, and the quiet escape of a good book. He was an avid golfer, sharing rounds with his wife, Marlene (Knapp) Hillman, his dear friend Nils Bergquist, and his brother-in-law Perry Doan, and passing on his love of the game to his grandson Brandon Hillman. William was also a Boy Scout Leader and Indian Guide for his community, his sons Kevin Hillman and Daniel Hillman, as well as his grandson Brandon Hillman.
Above all, family was the heart of Williams world. He was a devoted husband to Marlene, a loving father to Kevin Hillman, Daniel Hillman, Peggy Hillman, Nicole Lewis, and Sarah Hillman, and a proud grandfather who celebrated every milestone in his grandchildrens lives with immense joy. His warmth, wisdom, and unwavering support were gifts to all who knew him.
Beyond his family, William had a rare gift for making lifelong friends. No matter where he wentwhether in the United States or overseashe always seemed to run into someone he knew. It amazed his children that, no matter how far from home they were, people always stopped to talk to him. He had a natural way of making everyone feel valued and heard. His presence was a gift, and his absence will be deeply felt.
William is survived by his beloved wife, Marlene Hillman; his children, Kevin (Troy Preston) Hillman, Daniel Hillman, Peggy Hillman, Nicole (James) Lewis, and Sarah (Terry Scotchmer) Hillman; his cherished grandchildren, Joshua Hillman, Brandon Hillman, Hannah Hillman, Brooke Enderle, Samantha Lewis, Morgan Lewis, Olivia Scotchmer, Anna-Janel Scotchmer, Allison Lewis, Lilliana Scotchmer and James Spangenberg; sister-in-law: Linda Hillman; his great-grandchildren; his extended family; and many dear friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Carrie Hillman; his siblings, Robert (Wanda) Hillman, Thomas (Doris) Hillman, Barbara (Carlton) Fawcett, Sally (Timothy) Richardson, John Hillman; and his grandson Chad Bates.
Family and friends will come together and honor him on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Christ Episcopal Church, 33 East First Street, Corning, NY with calling hours from 10:00am - 11:00am. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow with the Very Rev. Troy Preston officiating. To view the Livestream of the service please refer to the link below under service information.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory and mailed to ACT-N-DO, 7 Steuben Street, Addison, NY 14801.
In his memory, we invite you to share a story, raise a glass, and continue his legacy of love, laughter, and kindness.
Rest in peace, William Stewart Hillman. You taught us how to love and live fully, and your memory will remain in our hearts forever.
Service Details
Visitation
When
Saturday, March 8th, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am
Location
Christ Episcopal Church
Address
33 E. 1st St.
Corning, New York 14830
Celebration of Life When
Saturday, March 8th, 2025 11:00am
Location
Christ Episcopal Church
Address
33 E. 1st St.
Corning, New York 14830 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of William Stewart Hillman, please visit our Tree Store.