Edward Hilligrass

Colonie-Edward Hilligrass passed away peacefully in his home Sunday May 1, 2016. Born in the Town of Wright to Manford Hilligas and Lela Alden in July 1934, Ed lived younger years in Albany, where he was raised by his mother Virginia Robertson Helligrass. Ed had 7 brothers and sisters -his twin sister Edna (Joseph) Alvaro, Matt (Sandy) Hilligrass, Robert Hilicus, Evelyn Van Nederynen, Marion Vail, Herb (Chris) Hilicus and Helen Helligrass-Smith (deceased). For nearly 58 years he was the loving husband of Maria Morrell Hilligrass and favorite son in law of Carmela Morrell. Together they raised 5 children, Karen (Steven Farer), Jay (Dawn Luanne), Edward Jr. (Sue), Patricia (Wes), and Charles (Gwendolyn). Ed was devoted to his family and was the proud Papa of 12 grandchildren Eugene (Holly), James, Vincent, Daniel, Jaime (Ryan), Kristi, JW, Michael, Kyle, Hannah, Kayla, Caleb and Great Grandpa to Bexton, Keira, Alivia and Gianna Maria. Ed also had a great many nieces, nephews all of whom he adored. Ed was a Naval Veteran, serving as a photographer in the mid 1950’s. After leaving the service Ed returned home where he attended Albany Business College and Siena College before going on to a distinguished career for New York State. After serving as the business manager at Otisville Training School, he returned to Albany where he continued his NYS career before retiring as an Associate Director for the Dept. of Soc. Services in 1990. Ed had many hobbies that included a passion for building, remodeling and renovating homes and vintage automobiles. In 1983, He and Maria moved to Johnsonville. For the next 30 years Ed would renovate and remodel their home with one simple goal, to give his bride the family home of her dreams. Ed also loved his cars and anything to do with cars. If Ed wasn’t in the house tinkering, he was probably in the garage, usually with one of his sons, nephews or grandkids. Ed meant a lot of things to so many people. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, papa, uncle, teacher, mentor and friend, who lived life on his terms and without regrets. Ed truly loved his family and made everyone he knew feel like family. The family would like to thank Dr. Salenger and her staff at DCI Rubin for their excellent care and support of Ed for so many years. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to DCI Rubin Dialysis 21 Crossings St. Suite B Clifton Park, NY 12065. Relatives and friends are invited and may visit with Ed’s family on Friday, May 6, 2016 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm in the Lasak & Gigliotti Funeral Home, now located at 208 North Allen Street, Albany. A funeral service celebrating Ed’s life will be held at 6:00 pm in the funeral home. To leave Ed’s family a message on their guestbook, light a candle or view other helpful services, please visit www.LGfuneralhome.com

Edward Hilligrass

July 19, 1934 - May 1, 2016