Obituary of Richard James Hillage

Richard James (Dick) Hillage, 75, passed away Saturday evening, February 15, 2025, at the Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Utica on February 23, 1949, a son of Benjamin Jabe and Mary C. Ondarcho Hillage (both of whom predeceased him) and graduated from Clinton High School in 1967.  He lived his entire 75+ years in Clinton.  On August 10, 1974, at St. Mary's Church in Clinton, he married Lou Ann Reising, a union that spanned and survived over 50 years.  Family meant everything to Dick, and he made sure we knew it in his words and actions every single day.  After the three Grandgirls were born, they became the priority in his life, and like his own children, their safety, happiness and well-being was extremely important to him.  He loved unconditionally! Whatever was needed or wanted, Papa would make it happen.  In keeping with his need to make sure everyone was okay; he filled in as "Dad" to anyone needing his love and/or encouragement.

In his younger days, Dick owned and enjoyed motorcycles and muscle cars.  He occasionally drag-raced at the Utica-Rome Speedway where he even managed to take home a couple trophies.  He especially enjoyed riding his '84 Honda Gold Wing Interstate on trips to Vermont, Pennsylvania and Wolfe Island, Canada with Lou Ann always along for the ride.  A favorite yearly ride was to the Otsego Lake-Cooperstown area.

He was first introduced to hard work while working alongside his father at the Clinton Labs lifting large barrels used in making polishing compound for Bausch & Lomb. He later worked with Jack Dawes at the Shell Station in Clinton.  Following this, Dick was employed by Herkimer Petroleum and Mohawk Valley Oil as a fuel oil delivery driver.  He finished out his career with the Town of Kirkland Highway Department in 2011 after 23 years of service. You always knew where you stood with him.  He could be your best friend for life or your worst enemy forever!

In addition to his wife Lou Ann, he is survived by his son, Richard James Hillage, II, and daughter, Heather Marie Hillage-Scribner and son-in-law, Robert Scribner.  Your father wanted me to make sure you knew how much he loved you and how proud he was of the adults you have both become.  I told him you already knew that because you showed them and told them you loved them every day; but of course, he made me promise to tell you.  He also leaves behind his three special, beautiful, cherished Grandgirls: Jayden Alexis Hillage-Scribner, Jenna Avery Hillage-Scribner and Amelia Grace Hillage.  Always know Papa loves you and is watching over you all.  He is also survived by two brothers: Benjamin (Mary Jane) and Harold "Hap" (Joanne) and one sister Evelyn Micciche and their families. Also surviving is a very special aunt, Margaret LaLonde, cousins and in-laws.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Upstate University Hospital with special thanks to the nurses on the 10th Floor, James and Mel, for their outstanding care and compassion not only to Dick, but to us all.  We would also like to acknowledge the wonderful nursing staff at Upstate Cancer Center at Verona who cared for him during treatments.

In keeping with Dick's wishes, he will be cremated with a brief service at St. Mary's Church scheduled for Friday, February 21 at 10 AM.  Arrangements are with Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Clinton, NY. Please consider donations in Dick's memory to Clinton Fire Department or the American Cancer Society.

                    "Remember, stay calm and ask yourself, "What would Dickie do?"

                    "Common Sense will get you far!!

                    "SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE!"