Michael McNally Hilliker Obituary (1947

HILLIKER - Michael McNally Beloved husband of Lee Marie Hilliker; dearest father of Kelly Fitzgerald and Shawn (Jennifer) Fitzgerald; extraordinary grandfather of Jessie (Casey) Ewald, Amy Cuenin (Marilyn Kush), Heather (Scott) Baxter, Amber (Zack) Imboden, Harry Fitzgerald and Henry Fitzgerald; cherished Papa of Cadence, Parker and Landon Ewald, Jack, Brynn and Ross Baxter, Murphy, Reagan and Harvey Imboden; and loving uncle of many nieces and nephews. As a deputy of 36 years in the Erie County Sheriff's Department, Michael had many accomplishments including his proudest professional achievement in which he received the NYS Deputy of the Year Award for rescuing two individuals from a plane crash in the Niagara River. Michael's passion for hockey led him to pursue a position as an off-ice official for the NHL for 13 years and he spent many years managing security at the Hilton Hotel, meeting countless remarkable people from the sports and entertainment industry. In all of Michael's pursuits, he managed to find unique and exceptional experiences that fueled his supply of memories and love of storytelling. Wherever he went and whoever he spoke to, Michael was sure to be praising his loved ones, friends and of course, Buffalo. Family visitation will be held at 10a on Friday October 11 at St. Bartholomew's Anglican Church, 2368 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda; Funeral Service will begin at 11a. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice Buffalo. Arrangements by: CASTIGLIA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 873 Abbott Rd., South Buffalo, NY, (716) 824-6435. Please share your condolences at: www.castigliafuneralhome.com