John Hillard

John Leroy Hillard, 79, Bellwood died Saturday morning August 25, 2018 at Epworth Manor Tyrone. He was born February 28, 1939 in Altoona son of the late Shannon L. and Mary E. (Prough) Hillard and was brought up on the Watts Farm in Antis Township. On July 1, 1961 he married his high school sweetheart, Carol Ann Riley at Olivet Baptist Church, Bellwood. Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Pamela Jo (Mark) Yohn of Bellwood and Tracey Ann (Scott) McClellan of Fallentimber; three grandchildren, John Michael and Ashley Marie Yohn and Meghan Ann McClellan; and his dog, Riley who was his walking buddy. He was preceded in death by his father in law and mother in law, James and Eleanor Riley; and his brother in law and best friend, Dick Riley. John was a 1959 graduate of Bellwood-Antis High School. He was formerly employed at Puritan Sportswear, Irish O’Connor Plumbing and Heating, and Snively Trucking. In 2000 he retired as a line haul driver at Ward Trucking Altoona after 36 years of service. He was a member of Ward Retiree Club. He enjoyed woodworking, model trains, trains and old Farmall tractors. John had a passion for gardening and sharing his homegrown vegetables with others. John and his wife spent many Sunday afternoons watching NASCAR and Pittsburgh Steeler games. His greatest joy was sharing time with his family, neighbors and many friends. Friends will be received from 5 to 7pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at Jon C. Russin Funeral Home, Inc. Bellwood. A funeral service will be held at 7pm Tuesday at the funeral home, Randy Zitterbart officiating. Interment will be at Logan Valley Cemetery, Bellwood. At John’s request, contributions in his memory may be made to Central PA Humane Society.