Darrell "Bud" Hilliker

HILLIKER Darrell “Bud” Hilliker died peacefully at home on July 20, 2008. He was born January 3, 1925 in Corinna a son of Errold and Vera (Sprague) Hilliker. Bud graduated from Corinna Union Academy, Husson College, the University of Maine, Hofstra University and the University of Sarasota. He held a Ph.D. in higher education. Bud enlisted in the U.S. Navy during his senior year at Corinna Union Academy and served on two Lsts as a first class radioman, seeing action at the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, where he was wounded, and later serving in the South Pacific theater until his discharge in early 1946. After discharge, he attended Husson College, receiving a degree in Business Education, and began a long and successful career in his chosen field, teaching in Medway, ME as a business teacher and coach of a very successful basketball team. He entered the University of Maine, earning a degree in Business, while at the same time managing a sporting goods store in Bangor. After graduation, he returned to teaching at Greeley Institute in Cumberland Center, and in 1956 accepted a position as teacher and chairman of the Business Dept. at Mattituck High School on Long Island, NY. He served there for five years, leaving to accept an administration position in the newly formed Suffolk County Community College. He served as Professor of Business and Dean of Continuing Education for 22 years, retiring in July 1982. He and his wife moved back to Maine, where he continued his educational career as Assistant Director in a vocational school and as a Professor of Business at Husson College. In 1986, he moved to Jacksonville, Florida and continued to teach as a part time professor at Jones College for 11 years. At various times Bud served as President of Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club, Commander of Corinna Post American Legion, President of the Assn. of Deans of Continuing Education in New York State, and Red Cross Disaster Chairman of Eastern Long Island. He was a lifetime member of both the American Legion and the VFW. Bud was active in the Boy Scouts for many years, both as a scout and as a leader. He coached Little League and Junior League Baseball, was an avid hunter and fisherman, and a licensed Maine Guide for many years. Music was always a large part of Bud's life. He sang in the church choir for many years and later with the Jacksonville Beach Singers by the Sea for 14 years, performing for seniors at retirement and nursing homes. Bud was an active church member all his life, and served on many committees, was a Deacon, Supt. Of Sunday School, and teacher. He taught several Disciple Courses and was a Certified Lay Speaker. He served several times as guest minister in churches in his hometown area, and as a certified Assistant Chaplain at St. Luke's Hospital in Jacksonville for several years. Bud was a friend to all, loved everyone, and was always willing to serve and share. Bud was predeceased by his parents, a son, Darrell Stewart Hilliker, and a sister, Evelyn Phelps. He leaves behind to remember him his beloved wife of 63 years, Hope (Severance) Hilliker. He also leaves a son, Michael E. Hilliker of Dexter; daughters Rebecca (Arthur) Browning of Jacksonville, FL, and Karen (Curtis) Phipps of Kennesaw, GA; 12 grandchildren, Denise (Billy) Powell of Arizona; Dannielle Robinson of Virginia; Tiffany Kelly of Jacksonville, FL; Tammy (Peter) Pinto of Stamford, CT; Joseph Yakaboski of St. Augustine, FL; Tracy (Michael) McGauley of Hastings, FL; Michael (Tracy) Hilliker of Manchester, NH; Crista Hilliker of Gilbert, AZ; Carrie (Eric) Lezy of Attleboro, MA; Christopher (Tanya) Brown of Bethel, ME; Lorelei Hilliker of Manchester, NH; and Levi Stewart Hilliker of Dexter, ME. He will be lovingly remembered by his 23 great grandchildren, Skylar and Jordan Pinto, Hunter and Zachary Yakaboski, Justin and Kameron McGauley, Caitlin, Jeremy and Elizabeth Hope Powell, Lara Lynn Hilliker, Morgan and Jessica Lowry, Nathan and Alexis Kelly, Dylan, Alyssa and Christian Hilliker, Taylor and Jordan Moskowitz, Madison and Sarah Lezy, Nathan Brantley, Haley Marie Brown; and a great great granddaughter, Jade McGauley. He also leaves behind a sister, Miriam King of Corinna, ME, and a brother, Gene P. Hilliker of Riverhead, NY, and a special sister-in- law, Tillie York of Howland, ME. Bud wanted no sad farewells and at his request, friends are invited to attend a memorial service and a Going Away Party at the Corinna American Legion Post #73 on August 3, 2008 at 1:00 PM. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Corinna American Legion Post #73, Corinna, ME; or to the Corinna Historical Society, Corinna, ME 04928. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Chapel, Corinna. Those who wish may sign an on-line guest register at www.CrosbyNeal.com