Robert Hilleary

If a mans worth is determined by the impact he made in the world around him, then Robert Hilleary would have wealth beyond measure as he was a man of great character who lived to serve those around him. He was known for his impeccable work ethic as he wholeheartedly applied himself to whatever task was at hand. Bob was a loving and devoted father, but he just may have argued that becoming a grandfather was his richest reward. With the love of his life by his side for more than 50 years, he fully embraced so much of the beauty and splendor that the world has to offer. Life will never be the same without Bob here, but the timeless legacy he leaves behind will be carried on in the lives of those who follow him. The dark days of the 1930s were some of the most trying days we have ever faced as a nation as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce, which sent the unemployment rate soaring to above 25 percent. Despite the harsh reality around them, a young couple from Portsmouth, Ohio, was delighted to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy on June 25, 1938. Robert Neville was the only child born to his parents, Ralph and June (Hinchman) Hilleary, and his earliest years were spent in Portsmouth. His father worked in the food brokerage industry while his mother focused her attention at home. During his formative years Bob moved around a bit with his family. As our nation became entrenched in the throes of WWII, Bobs father was called to serve. In his fathers absence Bob and his mother lived with another family as money was scarce during this time. When he was around 10 they moved to New Albany, Indiana, where he began attending local schools. It was while in junior high that Bob met the young girl who would change the course of his life forever. She was two years his junior, and her name was Roberda Bobbie Lee. They met at church youth group and had the typical teenage romance. During high school Bob and Bobbie dated other people. While a student in high school Bob established the strong work ethic that he was known for. In addition to holding down his studies he played tennis and also worked part-time. With his high school education behind him, Bob was excited to embrace all that life had in store. He eventually began attending nearby University of Louisville. True love brought Bob and Bobbie back together in 1957 while she was attending Kentucky Baptist Nursing School. After graduating from Louisville Bob took a job with Sinclair Oil Company in Chicago. During that time he shared a room with a young man named John Mattingly. Their apartment was so small they had to share the same bed, which established the foundation for a lifelong friendship. Not to be forgotten during this time was Bobs blossoming romance with Bobbie. With a desire to build a life together they were married on September 3, 1961, after she had completed school. The newlyweds settled in the Park Forest neighborhood in Chicago where Bob attended the University of Chicago at night to earn his MBA while Bobbie worked as a nurse. Throughout his life Bob was a diligent worker who always had a job of some kind. He spent time washing dishes in a cafeteria, sold shoes for a time, and he also worked as a furrier. After completing his education Bob began working with Sohio in Cleveland. Through business calls with Webb Chemical Company in Muskegon, Bob was offered a position with their company. A bit later, Bob and Bill White purchased Webb Chemical, and over the years they very successfully expanded the business. Together Bob and Bobbie were thrilled to adopt their infant son, Mark, in 1967. Over the next few years they also welcomed two more children into their hearts and home through birth: Brad in 1969 and Brook in 1972. They raised their family in a home on Ruddiman Avenue in North Muskegon. As a family they enjoyed fun-filled trips to Marco Island and up North to ski near Baldwin for New Years Eve with other families. There were also several trips to Louisville to visit relatives. Bob was very proud to put all of his children through college, which included masters degrees for them all, too. He always supported them in all their various activities through the years. As a family they were active at Community United Methodist Church where Bob served on the board for many years. He was thrilled when his son, Brad, joined in the business, and it was Brad who took over when Bob retired in 2010. Later in life Bob was filled with unspeakable joy to welcome grandchildren into the family. His grandchildren will never forget their grandfathers stories about Habit the Rabbit and Tish the Fish. Bob was also known for his creepy mouse, crawly mouse tickles. Although nothing was of greater importance than being with his loved ones, Bobs life was enriched in so many other ways as well. As someone who was always willing to work hard he donated his time and talents in the community including his service on the board for the community foundation and its LEAD program. Bob also volunteered with the United Way. He and Bobbie loved going to Hawaii and made over 40 trips there through the years. They also loved golfing together and were active members of the Muskegon Country Club where Bob served as president at one time. Bob also appreciated red wine, which brought them on trips to Napa Valley and even to Italy. He enjoyed gambling and taught his daughter the ins and outs of black jack. As his friends and family can attest, Bob was a huge University of Louisville fan, and to call him a fan may be putting it mildly. He especially loved following their basketball team and eventually got Cardinal season tickets. For the last several years they even kept an apartment in Louisville so they could attend all the games. Bob was proud to be there for all three of their national championship games. With unending love and generosity toward those around him, Robert Hilleary was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was guided by an unwavering faith and carried himself with honor, integrity, and gentleness. Bob was the sort of man who was genuine in everything he did, and he was also a man of his word. The memories he leaves behind will be forever cherished. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Bobbie; son, Mark Hilleary his son, Max; daughter, Brook (Sheila O'Connor) Hilleary; Brad (Janice) Hilleary; their children, Drew, Danielle, Grant, Gabby, Grace, Harmoni and Harmon; cousin, Richard Hilleary of WV. Amemorial Service will take place Saturday, June 15, 2013, 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior to the service at Community United Methodist Church of North Muskegon with Rev. Philip Friedrick officiating. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Community United Methodist Church Memorial Fund or Harbor Hospice.