Benny R. Hillard

On Aug.15, 1959, he married Connie K. (Custer) Hillard, who survives in East Hickory. Benny served with the U.S. Navy and proudly served aboard the USS Soley Destroyer (DD 707). He retired in 2003 from National Forge in Irvine, where he worked as a quality assurance technician. He was an avid Steeler, Pirates, and Nascar Fan, and also enjoyed playing golf, hunting, fishing, and nature in general in the area including bird watching. Benny was also a member of the AMVETS Post 113 of Tionesta.

Surviving are two sons: Benny R. Hillard Jr. and his wife, Cathy E. of Tionesta, Pa., and James W. Hillard of Clarion, Pa.. and Theresa A. Hillard of Connecticut. Two daughters: Denise K. Mudryk and her husband, Michael of East Hickory, and LuAnn S. Gold and her husband, Barry L. of Pittsburgh, Pa.

Six grandsons: Eric M. Gold and his wife, Elizabeth of Glassport, Pa., Ty G. Hillard and his wife, Abby of Warren, Pa., Michael O. Hillard and his wife, Aimee also of Warren, Colyn R. Hillard and his wife, Amanda of Tionesta, Nicholas T. Hillard, also of Tionesta, and Adam Leviness and his wife, Ashley of Oil City, Pa. Five granddaughters: Kelli R. Gold of Pittsburgh; Kandra D. Karg and her husband, Jordan, also of Pittsburgh, Jaime Hillard and her fiance, Kiefer Mansfield of Rouseville, Pa., Jewel A. Hillard and her fiance, Jessica Nicoletti of Clarion, Pa., and Tifinie LaComb and her husband, Kevin of Ohio. Fourteen great-grandchildren. One brother, David Hillard and his wife, Lorraine of Mercer, Pa. One sister, Violet Buzard and her husband, Richard of Tionesta. Many nieces and nephews.

There will be no public visitation, all services held will be private.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Norman J. Wimer Funeral Home of Tionesta.

Messages of sympathy may be left at www.wimer funeralhome.com

Memorial contributions can be sent to the Tin Can Sailors Fund Inc. PO Box 100 Somerset, MA 02726. Be sure to include in the mailing “In Memory of Benny R. Hillard SR, USS Soley PO Box 558 East Hickory, PA 16321″. Message from TCS Fund…”Our vision is that many future generations will be able to board well-maintained destroyer museum ships, hear the stories, and experience the courage of the 20th century United States Sailors. You donation to our grant program will help keep their legacy alive.”