John Hillman

John H. "Jack" Hillman, 88, of Andover, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday May 15 surrounded by family. Born October 31, 1926, and raised in Houlton ME he was the son of the late George Hillman and Marion (Nason). John was pre deceased by his loving wife of 56 years Nita (Harper) Hillman, to whom he married in September 14 of 1949. John and Nita were long- time residents of Andover. He is survived by his son and best friend, James H. Hillman of Andover, his daughter and son in law Mona and Allan Garray of Andover, his grandson Cody Garray and Cody's fiancée Jessica Barnes also of Andover. He also leaves behind his beloved Shih Tzu, Cookie. John served his country during WWII in the US Air Force. He was retired from Pratt & Whitney of East Hartford, and also retired from the US Postal Service after many years of service as a rural mail carrier in Andover. In addition to loving his family, John loved working on home projects, tinkering on cars and boats and spending time at his summer home on East Grand Lake, NB Canada. He loved to read books, especially western themed. John was a kind and generous man who loved to visit and socialize with friends and family. He had a terrific sense of humor and loved to make people laugh, especially in his later years. The family would like to extend a special thanks to our dearest friend Rita Kessing for "nursing" John off and on for many years and for staying with him for the final days and nights he was with us. Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family for calling hours on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at Coventry–Pietras Funeral Home 2665 Boston Tnpk (RT44) Coventry, CT 06238 from 4-6 with a Memorial Funeral Home service to be held at 6pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation - ATTN: Team POPS POSSE 383 Main Avenue #5, Norwalk, CT 06851. In memory of Paul Kessing, a close family friend. For online condolences please visit www.pietrasfuneralhome.com.