Gary Lance Hillmar

Gary Lance Hillmar, 78, of White Oak, PA, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026 surrounded by his family.

Gary was born to Lance and Jennie Hillmar on July 12, 1947. He grew up in North Versailles on Blanchard Lane, a nook with just a few houses, where neighbors became family. He remained close with several of these childhood friends his entire life and fondly remembered good times “up on the hill.”

Gary was a 1965 graduate of Westinghouse Memorial High School. There he was an athlete who played and excelled in football and baseball. He attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH where he played football and was a member of the Phi Mu Delta Fraternity. While in collage he picked up lacrosse, which earned him Sports Illustrated “Faces in the Crowd” accolades twice for his play as a goalie. In 1969 he graduated with a degree in Biology.

After college, Gary took a job in Cleveland, OH where he met the love of his life, Theresa. They married on May 6, 1972. After returning home to Pittsburgh, they raised their family and Gary had a long career in both Safety Management and Personnel.

Gary loved to travel and to see national parks. He visited 47 states during the multiple cross country road trips he took in his life. Even in his last days he wanted to do more traveling. His favorite place to visit throughout his life was the Capon View Farm near Paw Paw, WV. The birthplace of his grandmother, Mae Bowers Hillmar, occupied a special place of his heart. Over the last 25 years, he and his son built a cabin of their own there. He loved Hampshire County and the Cacapon River.

Gary valued his family and enjoyed growing up surrounded by a large family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He took pride in his family’s motto “A Hillmar’s favorite place to be is together.” Gary was a lifelong member of Sampson’s Mills Presbyterian Church where he was proudly the 3rd generation of his family to attend. He served multiple leadership positions within the church.

Gary enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music and especially had a fondness for the 1960’s “Pittsburgh Sound.” A true character, his family lovingly referred to him as a “singular-type-person,” as there was no one else quite like him. He had a love for reading, always keeping a stack of books & magazines by his bed. Gary read multiple newspapers each day. Other interests included Civil War & Gettysburg history, genealogy, birding, metal detecting, collecting treasures, and watching all Pittsburgh sports but especially the Pirates. Gary loved golf and won many long drive competitions. He had the best card trick, a quick wit, a story for absolutely everything, always “knew a guy” with some type of connection, and had a love for chocolate chip cookies. Somehow it was always “his turn” to buy dinner and did so with a generous heart. A jack of all trades, he always had multiple projects underway. Gary had a special place in his heart for all the golden retrievers he had over the years.

Survived are his loving wife of 54 years, Theresa (Moskwa), son, Jim Hillmar of White Oak, daughters Carrie (Bill Krausmann) Hillmar of Wilkins Township, and Kate (Dave) Miller of White Oak. He adored and spoiled his grandchildren, Myles and Tessa Miller of White Oak, who lovingly referred to him as “Pop-Pop.” Also survived by brother, Bill Hillmar of Cascade, MT, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Honorary daughter and granddaughter, Desiree Secasky (Tim) and Lyric who loved their Papa/Pappy. Preceded in death by parents Lance and Jennie (Loveall) Hillmar, Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Stefan & Maria Moskwa, and daughter of the heart, Aja Firestone.

The family would like to thank Shadyside ICU, the many doctors, nurses, and support staff who provided him care through the years, and for the many cards and prayers sent.

Family and friends are invited to gather and honor Gary’s memory on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, Inc., 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131 (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6178). Services, officiated by Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Wilson, will take place on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Sampson's Mills Presbyterian Church, 1665 Lincoln Way, White Oak PA 15131. A burial will follow.

To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.strifflerfuneralhomes.com