Jay Luther Hillegass

Jay Luther Hillegass, 91, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather completed his journey to his eternal home on March 26, 2022. A previous resident of Berlin and Somerset, Jay most recently resided at Friendship Village of South Hills, Upper St. Clair. Jay’s life was defined by his faith, his family and his farm. Jay married the love of his life, Constance Adams, on June 14, 1953. In their nearly 69 years together, they raised four children: Kirk (Tine) Hillegass, Jayne Huston (Larry Sedlemeyer), Laura (Stephen) Pasky and Polly (Todd) Leipold. Grandchildren: Juliana (Andrew), Luther (Danielle), K. Alec (deceased), Alexa (John), B. Tyler (Emily), Andrew (Erin), Harrison, Hillary, Angela (Matthew) and Jason (Ashlee). Great grandchildren: Elena, Hattie, Nevin, Cora, Annie, Ella, Maxwell, Bennett, Owen and Colson. Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Nevin S. and Ruth Walker Hillegass. He is survived by his siblings, Deane W. Hillegass and Helen Ann (Ron) Knepper. A 1948 graduate of Shanksville-Stonycreek High School, Jay’s leadership involvement in FFA prepared him for his future career. 65 years ago, Jay became the fourth generation owner of Hillmont. Until his retirement in 2002, Jay built a modern, state-of-the-art dairy farm to support a fully registered herd of Holsteins. During this time, Jay was recognized as a Pennsylvania Outstanding Young Farmer on this “Century Farm.” Jay was a charter member of Unity United Church of Christ, Berlin, where he served in various leadership roles, including president of the Consistory. Jay also served as Chairman of the Board at Highland Mutual Insurance Company, Berlin, a company founded by his great grandfather. A celebration of Jay’s life will take place on Thursday, March 31 at 2:00 PM, Unity United Church of Christ, 2074 Huckleberry Hwy, Berlin. Visitation precedes the service from 12:30-1:30 PM. The family welcomes your contributions in Jay’s memory to Unity United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 132 Shanksville, PA 15560 and OSPTA Hospice, 4325 SR 51N Rostraver, PA 15012. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Deaner Funeral Home, Berlin. Masks preferred. DeanerFuneralsAndCremations.com