Lawrence Hillis

~~Lawrence E. “Larry” Hillis, 72, of Hobart, passed away suddenly on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at AO Fox Hospital. Born on September 23, 1944 in Cambridge, NY, Larry was the son of the late Harry O. and Ruth (Jackson) Hillis. Mr. Hillis was married to Merrill J. (Keep) Hillis on August 18, 1979. In his earlier years, he worked on construction for Grohs in the Albany area. He then started with New York State Dept. of Transportation, and worked there for over 35 years, retiring in 2001 as Highway Maintenance Supervisor in Stamford. Larry also drove school bus for the South Kortright School District for over 20 years. Larry enjoyed serving his community as a Volunteer Fireman, first serving with the Grand Gorge Fire Dept. then with Stamford Fire Dept. until moving and serving Hobart Fire Dept. for many years, where he was Fire Chief. He also was past president of the Delaware Co. Firefighters Association. Mr. Hillis served on the Delaware County Fair Horse Show Committee, he enjoyed farm tractor pulling and for several years enjoyed racing stock cars in the Late Model division at Mid-State Speedway, Morris, NY and Fonda Speedway, Fonda, NY. Above all else, Larry was devoted to his family, his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, attending sporting events and being there for them and their families. He was a loving father and proud grand and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife: Merrill J. Hillis of Hobart; children: Lori & Doug of East Meredith, Russell of Hobart, Cathy of Duanesburg, Steven & Angela of North Carolina and Scott and Leaha of Virginia; grandchildren: Leslie Ann & Josh, Catherine, Benjamin, Tamara, Bert, Steven Jr. & Sierra, Bradley & Andrea, Cathleen, Paige, Brady, Carter and Hayden; several great-grandchildren; brother: Roderick and Phyllis of S. Kortright; sisters: Janet & Bill of Croton on the Hudson, and Audrey & Dave of Grand Gorge; many nieces, nephews and cousins and close friends. He is predeceased by his grandson David. A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at the Hobart Presbyterian Church on Saturday June 17, 2017 at 10 am with a reception at the Grand Gorge Fire Department immediately following. Arrangements are with MacArthur Funeral Home, Hobart, please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with family. .