S. Richard Hillegas

S. Richard Hillegas, 95, Fairhope, died Jan. 25, 2018 at UPMC Altoona. Born April 19, 1922 in Dividing Ridge, son of Milton A. and Clara (Livingston) Hillegas. Preceded in death by parents; wife of 67 years the former Rheta Wolfe who he married on Feb. 14, 1948; brothers Wilmer, Emerson, Roger, and Sherwood, and sister Mary Meadows. Survived by sons: Richard S. and wife Sandy, Montoursville, Robert M. and wife Pam, Jonestown, Ronald W. and wife Connie, and Russell A. and wife Jeanne, both of Fairhope; grandchildren: Nathan, Todd, Sara, Brandon, Erin, Meghan, Kevin, and Kyle; 14 great grandchildren; and sister Eleanor Wagner, Annapolis, MD. He was a 1940 graduate of Berlin Brothersvalley High School and attended the Williamsport Community College in the electric course after WW II. He was inducted into the Army on Oct. 20th, 1942, was wounded on Oct. 20th 1944, and was discharged Oct. 20th, 1945. He witnessed Gen. MacArthur return to the Philippines and his unit was selected by the general to be the first in Tokyo, Japan for the signing of the surrender on Sept. 8, 1945. He was a retired electrician from Bethlehem Steel Wire Rope in Williamsport. Member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Berlin, where he was an elder and a deacon. He was a life member of the American Legion, V.F.W., D.A.V., Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Last Man’s Club of Berlin. Member of Masonic Lodge 707 and Consistory of Williamsport and the Jaffa Shrine of Altoona. A private viewing and service will be held at the family’s convenience. Rev. Dr. David A. Williams officiating. Interment Berlin I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Military Honors at the funeral home by the Berlin Veterans Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to Trinity UCC, P.O. Box 86, Berlin, PA 15530. Arrangements entrusted to Deaner Funeral Home, Berlin. DeanerFuneralsAndCremations.com