George William Hilty
June 18, 1929 – January 23, 2025
George William Hilty, age 95, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the Doolittle Home in Foxborough, Massachusetts. He was the beloved son of the late James and Mary (Shriver) Hilty.
George was born in Apollo, Pennsylvania, on June 18, 1929, and attended Apollo-Ridge High School before proudly serving in the United States Navy. On December 7, 1952, he married the love of his life, Josephine (Jo) Hilty, at St. Anthony’s Church in Somerville, Massachusetts. Together, they shared 68 beautiful years of marriage before her passing.
During his distinguished 20-year Navy career, George sailed around the world, serving with honor in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was aboard the USS Worcester when it received a Silver Star for gallantry during the Korean War. After his active service and 10 years in the Naval Reserve, George transitioned to civilian life, working in car sales, where his warm personality and humor left a lasting impression on customers and colleagues alike.
George was a devoted family man who cherished time spent with loved ones. He was known for his playful sense of humor, often joking about "flying his spaceship" or parking it on the roof to watch football. He had a lifelong passion for golf—playing, watching, and walking the course brought him endless joy.
A longtime resident of Peabody, George was actively involved in the St. Adelaide Parish community alongside Jo. In 2018, the couple moved to the Doolittle Home in Foxborough, where they formed cherished friendships and continued to be a source of warmth and love to all who knew them.
George is survived by his loving children: Linda Sarro of Lynnfield; Diane Lancaster and her husband, Mike, of Foxborough; JoAnne Civiello and her husband, John, of Virginia; and William Hilty and his wife, Heather, of Peabody. He was a devoted grandfather to nine grandchildren and a proud great-grandfather of seven.
He was predeceased by his wife, Josephine, and his siblings: John, Margaret (Peg) Martin, Richard, Ronald, Harold, Ralph, Carl, and Leland. He is survived by his brothers, James Hilty of Pennsylvania, and Dennis Hilty of Alabama.
George’s family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff and residents of the Doolittle Home for their kindness and care.
In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s memory may be made to Tunnel To Towers Foundation (t2t.org) or Doolittle Home, 16 Bird Street, Foxborough, MA 02035.
Private burial arrangements will be made.