Eugene L. Hilliker

Eugene “Gene” L. Hilliker was born on January 4, 1935, to Norman and Caroline

(Ebling), and passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 19, 2024, surrounded by

his loving family, at Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation. He is now reunited with his

parents, sister Patricia Hovis, and his grandkitties: Lonesome, Kitty, Christmas and

Sassy.

Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Rose Marie (Yacklon), his daughters: Brenda M.

Myers and Janet L. Hilliker and her fiancé, Mark Ardillo, and his grandkitties: Max and

Marley Mittens.

Gene was a graduate of Silver Creek Schools, and went on to get his Degree in

Accounting from Bryant and Stratton. He served in the Army National Guard from 1957

to 1960. Gene retired from Niagara Mohawk’s Dunkirk Steam Station, and went on to

work part-time as a CARTS bus driver, then a greeter at Walmart. Gene never wanted

for anything, and just wanted to take care of and provide for his family. He was a simple

man whose smile lit up the room, and who will be forever missed by his family and

friends.

Gene was known as an excellent bowler in the area, and rolled a “300” in 1963. He

loved to play cards and do crossword puzzles, read the daily newspapers, watch tv, and

he adored his grandkitties. Before he got sick, he made daily trips to Tim Horton’s and

Burger King. He loved pizza, but his favorite meal was a cheeseburger and fries.

The family wants to thank everyone at Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation for taking

such good care of “Papa” while he was a resident. The family would also like to thank

Chautauqua County Hospice and Rehabilitation for their care and comfort.

The family will hold services privately. Gene loved animals, especially kitties, so please

feel free to make a donation to a rescue of your choice in his name. Donations to

Hospice are also appreciated.