Jeffrey C Hilyard

Jeffrey Charles Hilyard, 67, a lifelong resident of Worcester and devoted husband, passed away peacefully after a sudden illness, surrounded by loved ones, Thursday, July 24th 2025.

Jeffrey was born in Worcester, one of five children of John B. and Ruth M. (Connolly) Hilyard. Raised in Worcester, Jeffrey met the love of his life, partner, and best friend, Joanne Osper. They married and have spent the past 33 years devoted to each other. Jeffrey worked in various roles at Norton Company, in its many forms, for over 30 years before retiring in 2010.

During his retirement, Jeff harnessed his love of hockey, giving back to the community by driving the Zamboni for the Lake Avenue Skating Rink. As noted below, he was a talented local musician. He was also an avid reader, and a devoted fan of the Red Sox, Bruins, and Patriots. Most recently, Jeff rediscovered his love of the outdoors by taking up mountain biking and spent many hours on the Mass Central Rail Trail in West Boylston.

Jeffrey had an uncanny ability to liven up any conversation with his wit and his wide-ranging knowledge of sports, music, movies, and world events.

He was an extraordinary musician, composing, writing and playing bass guitar (as well as singing) in local bands at night spots and other venues. He was a member of many bands, including Sluggo, The Hat, Manx, Raven Maniac, 50/50, Burnt Bulb, and Montana Red Dog.

Jeffrey enjoyed the simple pleasures of being home with Joanne watching the Red Sox, Patriots and Bruins, reading, and being outdoors. He also was an avid movie buff, with the ability to remember lines, dates, characters and scenes from his favorite movies.

Jeffrey is survived by his loving wife, Joanne; two brothers, Joseph F. Hilyard and his wife Lorna of Fox Point, Wisconsin; John R. Hilyard and his wife Linda of Washington, Utah; two sisters, Judith M. Nordberg of Worcester; Joyce A. Vanderleeden and her husband Marc of Longmeadow; sisters-in-law, Becky Adams of Boylston, Marion Young and her husband Michael of Sturbridge; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Friends and relatives are invited to gather for calling hours Tuesday July 29th from 3 to 6 pm follow by a prayer service at 6 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Jimmy Fund in Jeff’s memory, 10 Brookline Place, Brookline, MA 02445.