1918
John
2017
John E. Hilsher
September 4, 1918 — December 14, 2017
John Edward “Jack” Hilsher, 99, of Kingston, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2017 at Manor Care, Kingston, following a brief illness. The "greatest generation" lost one of its greatest. Born in Williamsport on September 4, 1918, he was the son of the late Edward and Viola Hilsher.
John attended Williamsport schools and later served his country during World War II with the 304th Medical Battalion of the 79th Infantry Division; he was part of D-Day (+6), the Battle of Cherbourg, and the military campaigns in Rhineland and Central Europe.
Before and after his honorable discharge, John was employed as a Product Manager at American Chain and Cable Company (ACCO) in Wilkes-Barre for 32 years and then as Advertising Manager for 12 years at Intermetro Industries, Wilkes-Barre. Upon retirement, John was a contributing writer for a Senior Column in the Times Leader and the Dallas Post, and he also volunteered at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Catherine Carstairs, and his second wife, Helen Goff Grinavich. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, James and Cathy, Kingston; daughter, Marion, Hollidaysburg; stepdaughter Maripat Wehman and husband, Hank, Hummelstown; stepson Jim Grinavich and wife, Diane, Mountaintop; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, four step-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Although almost 100 years old, John enjoyed weekly piano lessons, reading on his Nook, working on his stamp collections, visiting with family, listening to jazz, and attending local jazz concerts. Throughout his life, John had many hobbies. He built intricate wooden model ships which can be found in various businesses throughout the County, including Cooper’s Seafood. In addition, he won awards as an amateur photographer.
John and his family are forever grateful to Dr. Irvin Jacobs for his care and friendship and to the nursing and activities staffs of Manor Care for their care and kindness.
Funeral arrangements will be private and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Candy's Place, 190 Welles Street, Forty Fort, PA 18704 or the SPCA, 524 East Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
Memories and condolences may be shared with John’s family at www.celebratehislife.com
John attended Williamsport schools and later served his country during World War II with the 304th Medical Battalion of the 79th Infantry Division; he was part of D-Day (+6), the Battle of Cherbourg, and the military campaigns in Rhineland and Central Europe.
Before and after his honorable discharge, John was employed as a Product Manager at American Chain and Cable Company (ACCO) in Wilkes-Barre for 32 years and then as Advertising Manager for 12 years at Intermetro Industries, Wilkes-Barre. Upon retirement, John was a contributing writer for a Senior Column in the Times Leader and the Dallas Post, and he also volunteered at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Catherine Carstairs, and his second wife, Helen Goff Grinavich. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, James and Cathy, Kingston; daughter, Marion, Hollidaysburg; stepdaughter Maripat Wehman and husband, Hank, Hummelstown; stepson Jim Grinavich and wife, Diane, Mountaintop; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, four step-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Although almost 100 years old, John enjoyed weekly piano lessons, reading on his Nook, working on his stamp collections, visiting with family, listening to jazz, and attending local jazz concerts. Throughout his life, John had many hobbies. He built intricate wooden model ships which can be found in various businesses throughout the County, including Cooper’s Seafood. In addition, he won awards as an amateur photographer.
John and his family are forever grateful to Dr. Irvin Jacobs for his care and friendship and to the nursing and activities staffs of Manor Care for their care and kindness.
Funeral arrangements will be private and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Candy's Place, 190 Welles Street, Forty Fort, PA 18704 or the SPCA, 524 East Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
Memories and condolences may be shared with John’s family at www.celebratehislife.com
To order memorial trees in memory of John E. Hilsher, please visit our tree store.
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