Joseph M. Hillman Sr.

Joseph M. Hillman Sr., of Newburgh, a retired draftsman for Central Hudson Gas and Electric, entered into rest on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at Vassar Brothers Hospital, Poughkeepsie. He was 73. Son of the late George and Anne Smith Hillman, he was born on December 6, 1931 in Newburgh. He married the former Carmella Crudele on September 22, 1956 who survives at home. Joseph graduated from St. Patrick's High School in 1950. He was drafted into the US Army in 1952 and proudly served as a medic with the 17th Infantry Division, during the Korean War. While serving he participated in ground action at Pork Chop Hill and was awarded the Combat Medical Badge and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 1967 he enlisted in the US Air Force Reserves, where he was called to active duty during the Pueblo Crisis at Stewart Field. He retired as a Master Sergeant with the US Air Force. Joseph was employed by Dupont in Newburgh for 17 years. He worked at the Pilot Plant where he helped with the development of Corfam. He finished his career with Central Hudson Gas and Electric after 13 years. Joseph was a lifetime parishioner of St. Mary's Church in Newburgh. He was president of St. Mary's Holy Name Society from 1965-1968, a 4th degree Knight of Columbus of Council 444 Msgr. Henry J. O'Carroll, a committee member of the St. Mary's Boy Scout Troop 3, a member of the Elk's Lodge 24, VFW Post 793, American Legion Post 152 and the Disabled American Veterans Post 152. For 25 years of his life, Joseph was a dedicated member of the Cronomer Valley Fire Department, where he served as drill master. His volunteer service also included the establishment of the Cronomer Valley Marching Band, which marched proudly for 25 years. A family statement reads, "Joseph was a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. His sense of humor, his character, his passion and zest for life will march on in our hearts forever." In addition to Carmella, his loving wife of 49 years, Joseph is survived by his children, Kathleen Hillman-Rizzotto and her husband Louis, Marjorie Rose Politi and her husband James, Joseph M. Hillman Jr. and his wife Cynthia; his grandchildren, James and Samuel Politi, Carly and Trent Hillman; his brother George B. Hillman and his companion Joanne Cardillo; his sister, Betty Ann Sager and her husband David; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his son, Michael J. Hillman in 2002. Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, October 20 at Brooks-DiDonato Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Avenue, Newburgh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, October 21 in St. Mary's Church, Newburgh. Entombment with military honors will follow in Cedar Hill Mausoleum, Newburgh. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joseph's name may be made to the Cronomer Valley Fire Dept., 296 North Plank Rd., Newburgh, NY 12550. To send a personal condolence, or for directions to the funeral home, please visit Brooks-DiDonato.com.