William R. Hilts

William R. Hilts

Of Sanborn, NY, passed away on  Monday, December 12, 2022, at Newfane Rehabilitation & Health Care Center.   He was  born in Niagara Falls, NY,  on December 18, 1931, the son of the late Irvin V. and Dorothy [Mang] Hilts.

Mr. Hilts graduated from LaSalle High School and attended Michigan State. He served with the US NAVY during the Korean War.

Mr. Hilts was the maintenance supervisor with the NYS Power Authority for 33 years, before retiring in 1993.  He was the outdoor writer for the Courier Express and the Niagara Gazette for many years.  

Mr. Hilts was the editor of the North American Bear Journal and was a freelance writer for several other publications, as well as serving on many conservation programs throughout the State.

Mr. Hilts was the husband of 67 years to  the late Sylvia C. [Eggert] Hilts, who passed away in July of 2018.

He is survived by his children  William D. (Sandra),  Richard E. (Lynette), David M. (Julie) Hilts and Susan Davignon,  seven grandchildren Kiel and Owen Davignon, Christian  and Natalie Adelia Hilts,  Marla (Kyle) Costello, Keith (Brandy)  and Kim Brong, also twelve great-grandchildren, three great, great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Irvin (late Marge) Hilts, Jr.

His family will be present on Sunday from 4-8 PM at RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 5893 Hoover Road, SANBORN, NY.  

Funeral Services will be held on  Monday at 10:00 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Old Falls Blvd., North Tonawanda, NY.

Interment with Military Honors in  Mt. View Cemetery, Town of Cambria.

Memorials in his name may be made to NYS Outdoor Writers Association (Scholarship Fund) at 321 Robertson St., Sherrill, NY 13461 or St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 453 Old Falls Blvd., North Tonawanda, NY 14120. 

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