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Craig Hillier Obituary
WESTBOROUGH - Craig C. Hillier, 59, a retired Westborough Police Officer, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, March 9, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of June L. (Erickson) Hillier.
Born in Quincy, he is the son of Charles Hillier of Westborough and the late Mary Joan (Howlett) Hillier. He was educated in Weymouth and Westborough schools and was a 1972 graduate of Westborough High School. He attended Berkley School of Music and earned a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from Western New England College.
Craig proudly served as a police officer for the Town of Westborough for 31 years retiring in 2011.
Craig loved spending time with his family by the pool and on the Cape during the summer. He also enjoyed playing with his band "Tailspin" for the past 20 years.
In addition to his wife and father, he is survived by one daughter, Cortney J. Hillier and her boyfriend, Scott Henderson, of Salem; two sons, Timothy R. Charland and his wife, Christine, of Shrewsbury and Daniel A. Charland of Westborough; one brother, Chuck Hillier of Westborough; a sister-in-law, Jill Hillier of Eastham; one grandson, Logan Craig Charland and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter, Colby M. Hillier and a brother, Christopher Hillier.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 12, from 3 to 7 P.M. at the Rand-Harper-Pickering Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 13 at 10:00 A.M. in the First United Methodist Church, 120 West Main St., Westborough. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Westborough Patrolman's Association Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1123, Westborough, MA 01581
westboroughfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Craig Hillier
Kim and Terry Barton
March 14, 2013
To all of Craig's Family-We are so sorry to hear of Craig's passing. The one Sunday we didn't attend church and missed this news. You are all in our prayers, and wish you all the peace that can bestowed on you. It has been a hard road. I had been wondering all week as I passed the house if Craig was worse, as he wasn't sitting in his truck and there was no one to beep at. Craig will sadly missed. We hope you have many happy memories to sustain you through this difficult journey until you see him again.
Shelley Hillier
March 14, 2013
Although far away from Westboro...Our love goes to our Hillier Family. Craig was a special Uncle and Elle and Kyle have good memories riding in the "cruiser" and funny stories with their Uncle, Aunt June and cousins, we love you All
Either Chris or Craig gave this plate to Chuck many years ago! How they all LOVED the Beatles!
Shelley Hillier
March 14, 2013
Stephanie Motta
March 13, 2013
June- my heart broke when I heard the news tonight. I am so sorry I didn't attend any of the services to pay my respects to such a wonderful man. Wishing you much strength to help you get through this painful time. Much love to you and your family...
Laura Esper-Bennett
March 13, 2013
My prayers to the Hillier and Ericson families. I will always remember Craig in the early 70's with his long hair, suede fringe jacket and 100-watt smile; and later in his police uniform, short hair and still that dazzling sincere smile. May he rest in peace with his mother, brother and daughter and may the families provide each other with love and comfort.
Gary Bodge
March 13, 2013
June and family, Sorry to hear of Craigs passing. His big smile,cowboy hat and saxaphone will long be remembered. He will be missed.
St. Vincent co-workers
March 13, 2013
Dear Tim, Christine and Hillier Family,
All of us at St. V's/OR are thinking of you with sorrowful hearts as you deal with the loss of your loved one. We wish you all the strength to cope with your loss, and we want you to know that we are here for you should you need us.
Paul & Joanie Cahill
March 13, 2013
To Craig's Family, We were sad to hear the news. He was a part of the wonderful memories that we have from our life in Westboro. He always had a sweet smile and nice word when ever we would run into him. He is gone, but never forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers of better days ahead for all of you. Memories of happier times will help you through. God Bless
Russ Skog
March 12, 2013
June, I am sorry for your loss
Stephen Rist
March 12, 2013
I would like to say RIP, a great guy, and a town icon Steve Rist
Chris MacKenzie
March 12, 2013
Dear June:
My heart is saddened for you in the loss of Craig...know the road well so will keep you & your family in my prayers for the days to come...loved to hear him play the sax & glad for the chance to chat a few minutes those days I'd catch him outside on my way to T's or in Worc.paying respects to some friends Mom...standing there with a big smile & a "doing great" attitude...it's been a long,difficult road for you all & I pray for strength to get through what you must,for your feeling the warmth coming from your friends love & respect, for a smile that only your great memories can bring, for your knowing that if God brings you to it--He WILL bring you through it,& for your Peace which will only come with time....God bless & be with you all....luv & blessin's, Chris
"Under the Sea" Hastings Father Daughter Dance
Paul Tomashefsky
March 12, 2013
Jimmy Scott
March 12, 2013
My thoughts and prayers to the Hilliers and Ericksons. Craig always had a warm handshake and wanted to know how I was doing when I ran into him in town. I remember him from High School and his music too. His brothers also. God Bless in this time of celebration of his life and the people he touched.
Jimmy Scott
frank @joyce Ritacco
March 12, 2013
Dear June,so sorry for your loss,
Brian Gerardi
March 12, 2013
Craig rip. it
Was great to work with you and know you. Brian Spd
Priscilla Harvey
March 12, 2013
My prayers are being sent to you and your family during this time of the celebration of Craig's life. He was a such a respected member of the community. May the love of all who knew him help you through these difficult times.
Priscilla Harvey
Mike Thatcher
March 12, 2013
I played in the band back in High school with Craig.He played a mean tenor sax!Will miss those beautiful notes.I think you will be the lead sax in the biggest band now.RIP Craig!!
Annelies van Raalten
March 12, 2013
I hope you will cherish the memories you have from your husband Craig and father. He does not have to suffer anymore, he is in a better place right now.
My thoughts are with you all, June, Tim and Dan and of course the rest of the family.
carolyn chouinard
March 11, 2013
Dear June and family: I was so saddened when I heard the news about Craig. He certainly was a wonderful guy. Such a pleasure to me it was to bump into him and just see him beam with that great smile and personality. He certainly was one brave person. He fought the good fight, and now that it is over, he will be missed. My thoughts, love and prayers go out to all.
Jay and Donna Gravel
March 11, 2013
June, We are so sorry to hear the news that Craig has passed over into heaven way too young. Please know that we are thinking of you and holding you close in our hearts.
Tailspin Mohegan Sun concert photo
March 11, 2013
Tailspin promo photo shoot
March 11, 2013
Linda
March 11, 2013
Great sax player, great PO, great person, great friend. You will be missed. RIP friend.
nancy n class of 72
March 11, 2013
when i find myself in times of trouble,mother Mary comes to me,and in my hour of darkness,she is standing right in front of me,whisper words of wisdom,God Speed
Bart & Cecilia Temple
March 11, 2013
June and Family, our hearts go out to all of you in this sad time. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers! Blessings and Peace
Walter Aldrich
March 11, 2013
So very sorry to hear of Craigs passing. My thoughts are with you all. We will always remember his glowing smile. RIP Brother.
March 11, 2013
Loving thoughts and prayers to all of Craig's family.He went through a long battle and now can rest in peace.God Bless him. With our deepest sympathy, Gail(Allen) Verge & Esther Allen
Guddy Hord
March 11, 2013
Heaven received a wonderful person.You are one of a kind Craig.
March 11, 2013
Sorry to hear about your loss, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jim Kelley
Norm Beausoleil
March 11, 2013
Whether it was playing the outfield with the WPD softball team or working an FD/PD incident with him, there was always a great pleasure having Craig next to me. Those that knew him will miss him. Those that didn't know him will never be able to imagine what they've missed. May he rest in peace, and may his retirement to the heavens be as joyous as the music he made here on earth. Godspeed, my friend.
Linda Tetreault
March 11, 2013
My condolences to June, and all his family members..especially to his children. I remember you always having a smile for everyone, a truly warm hearted, gifted man. May God Bless you always and your family, and keep you closely in the palm of his hands..
Deb Blasko
March 11, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Craig's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Lisa DuFries
March 11, 2013
Chuck, June and all of the Hillier family, Craig's smiling eyes will shine forever. So sorry for your loss.
Christine Makris
March 11, 2013
Deepest sympathies to you all....
Terry Gilchrist
March 11, 2013
I am saddened to hear that Craig has left this world! He always had a smile on his face and a kind word to say whenever I saw him in the parking lot leading to the Police Station! He was also so happy as he talked about his days with his band "Tailspin" Craig, you are now in a special place, one in which you will will watch over your family and friends! RIP my friend and co-worker.
Barbara & Cliff McGlory
March 11, 2013
June and family, so sorry to hear about Craig. Our deepest condolences for you loss.
Michael McCann
March 11, 2013
To the entire family, I send my best wishes and warmest love. You are a great family that meant so much to him. He always told me how lucky he felt. To a friend of almost 40 years, I say we will see you soon. You were a special person. I will always remember the sound of your sax and the smile that came with it.
norma Bennett
March 11, 2013
To Craig a great heart and soul of a man,you will be missed by many,my condolences to the family.May you rest in peace.
March 11, 2013
Go in Peace Craig. Your WPD legacy and Custom Made Gun Belt will always be remembered. 74th MPOC OORAH....
Maureen Hoffmann
March 11, 2013
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Larry and Donna Manduke
March 11, 2013
Dear Hillier Family
So sorry for your loss, Craig was a great man with an infectious smile that will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
March 11, 2013
Hold tight to memories for comfort, lean on your friends for strength, and always remember how much you are cared about.
Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thoughts and prayers. Wishing you peace, Vikki Higgins Macomber
March 11, 2013
Dear Chuck and Hillier family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sue (Macdougall) Keating
Alvin Hulbert
March 10, 2013
To June and The Hillier Family, So Sorry to hear about the loss of a Good Friend and a Former Brother in Blue!!! Craig will be missed by All and Our Prayers Go out to His Family. God Bless
Natalie Petruska
March 10, 2013
As a close friend of Craig's daughter Colby's in those vital early pre-adolescent years, I will always remember Craig as a dedicated and loving father with an unspeakable love for his family. I'll also always remember him as a passionate member of Tailspin, playing his sax with his cowboy boots, cowboy hat, while kicking and turning bright red, putting his heart and soul into every song. What a great man. He will be truly missed. Love and healing, reminiscent vibes go out to all of Craig's friends and family. <3
Dianne Bresnahan-Davis
March 10, 2013
My thoughts and prayers our with Craig's family. We all had some great times in High School. And I am sure Craig will be dearly missed in Westborough. RIP Craig
Vinny & Sheila Benoit
March 10, 2013
Chuck, We are so sorry to hear the news of Craig's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rich & Cheryl Esper
March 10, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Craig was a great man and will be truely missed.
Craig (back stage) at the Holden Music Fest
Paul Tomashefsky
March 10, 2013
Dick McGrath (Trombonist-left) Craig Hillier (Tenor Saxophone) Clinton, MA
Paul Tomashefsky
March 10, 2013
Thomas King
March 10, 2013
To June and family I am so sorry to hear of Craig's passing. He was a good friend and fellow officer, I will miss him. My thought and prayers are with you. Tom King.
March 10, 2013
June and family
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all as you face this difficult time.
Sandy Tetreault
March 10, 2013
Dear June & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Craig's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jane Saint-Amour
Craig (center) performing with Tailspin during the Westborugh Town Hall 4th of July Concert
Paul Tomashefsky
March 10, 2013
Dear June and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Craig passing away yesterday. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but especially by the members of the band Tailspin of which he helped to start. I was proud to know Craig as a member of the Westborough police force but also as a creative member of the "Tailspin" horn section. I will always remember his music and his laughter he brought to the group. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
Respectfully yours,
Paul Tomashefsky & Family
Hamelin
March 10, 2013
June and family... Our thoughts and prayers are with you today . Craig is at rest now.... He fought a long good fight... Don and Carol Hamelin
Jim and Kathy Bretta
March 10, 2013
June,
We are so sorry to hear about Craig. May God watch over you and your family during this most difficult time.
March 10, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The McGlory Family
March 9, 2013
June and family.
So sorry to hear of the death of Craig.
He was a credit to the uniform and a friend.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
Lydia Goldblatt
Harris Family
March 9, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hillier,Erickson and Charland families. We hope Craig's awesome spirit of living life gets you through this most difficult time.
Mark Chase
March 9, 2013
Craig was a good friend from the class of 72 at Westboro High. The best sax player I ever played behind. He'll be dearly missed. My condolences to your family.
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