Leland H. Hilt, Sr.
AVERILL PARK - Leland H. Hilt, Sr. age 87, beloved husband of late Mary Hilt, died on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Born in Troy on June 26, 1929, he was the son of the late Marjorie M. Hilt and Leland S. Hilt.
Lee was a graduate of Troy High School. He was drafted and served in the US Army 82nd Airborne Division. After serving his country, Lee returned to the Troy area and married his “Angie”, Mary Frances Campana, in 1953 a union that lasted until her death in 2012. Lee worked for St. Regis Paper Company in Cohoes for over 35 years advancing to the position of shop superintendent. Throughout this time Lee was the owner and operator of the family egg farm, Best of the Nest. Lee started an auto repair shop with his son, N&L Auto Body in 1984, a shop still thriving today. Lee and Mary were lifelong residents of Averill Park NY. He was a former member of the Averill Park Fire Department, Kiwanis Club, Toastmasters Club, the North Eastern Woodworkers Association, and the Emerald Club of Troy. He was a strong, self-sufficient man who loved farming his land and caring for his 7 children, all born within 9 years.
He is survived by his 7 children, Pamela (Mark) McKee Sr. of Troy, Wendy (Stuart) James J of Ft. L Lauderdale, FL, Leland (Anne Rourke) Hilt Jr. of Colonie, Marjorie (Kevin) Miller Sr. of Johnsonville, Dominick Hilt Sr. of Averill Park, Nancy Bonesteel of Averill Park and Alison (Francis) Vardaro Sr. of Hingham, MA and the joys of his life, his 19 grandchildren, Jennifer Lambert, Jo Anna Graber and Mark McKee Jr. and Liam, Moira and Patrick Hilt and Kevin Jr., Corey and Kyle Miller and Kevin, Cindy, Danielle and Dominick Hilt Jr and Briana, Brena and Brice Bonesteel and Maria, Francis Jr. and Janelle Vardaro as well as his 18 cherished great grandchildren.
He is survived by his brother George (Evelyn) y) Hilt, his sisters Ruth Gorham and Marilyn Hanby and his brother-in-law Henry Hillje. Leland is predeceased by his sister Joan Hillje and his brother-inlaw Bob Hanby.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to Dr. Lisa M Thorn for her dignified care and compassion, also Dr. Joseph J Dudek and Amanda Dipierro, P.A. plus the nurses and staff of NYOH.
The funeral will be from St. Henry’s Church, Averill Park on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at 10:00 am where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial with military honors will follow in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Cemetery Schuylerville. Calling hours will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at St. Henry’s Church on Tuesday, April 18.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the NYOH Community Cancer Foundation at 449 Route 146 Suite 101, Clifton Park, NY 12065, in memory of Leland.
Arrangements are by the Wynantskill Funeral Home. Please visit www.wynantskillconnollyfh.com.