Lawrence "Larry" Hilenski's Obituary
Lawrence “Larry” Joseph Hilenski, age 86, a lifelong resident of Lorain, passed away at his home under the care of Mercy New Life Hospice on Tuesday, May 16, 2017.
He was born on October 22, 1930 in Lorain, OH to Stanley and Esther (nee Marciniak) Hilenski and graduated from Lorain High School in 1949.
Larry enlisted with the United States Navy. He served aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Cotten during the Korean War. It was while he was stationed at the Naval Base in Newport, Rhode Island that he met the love of his life, Dorothy.
Upon his discharge he returned to Lorain and attended the Cleveland Engineering Institute. It was not long after that he and Dorothy were married in Fall River, Massachusetts. Dorothy returned to Lorain with Larry and they began their life together.
Larry made his career as a Process Engineer with the Ford Motor Company.
He enjoyed fishing, golfing, boating, traveling, going on cruises and enjoying dining out with friends. He was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland Indians, but of course all the teams that his children and grandchildren were on were his favorite.
Larry’s life was centered on his love for his wife of 60 years, his 5 children and 11 grandchildren. His focus and priority was being with his family and sharing with them all that they were involved in.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy (nee Amaral) Hilenski; children, Mark (Cheryl Adkins) Hilenski, Karen Towner, Shelly (Barry) Fairchild, Scott (Cheri) Hilenski, and Bryan Hilenski; grandchildren, Mitchell Hilenski, Jillian Hilenski, Brooke Towner, Allison Towner, Brittney Towner, Chloe Fairchild, Abigail Fairchild, Matthew Fairchild, Taylor Hilenski, Austin Hilenski, and Brandon Hilenski; sister, Bea Popovich; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Esther; son-in-law, Scott Towner; and his sister, Bernie Kowalski.
The Hilenski family will receive friends on Friday, May 19, 2017 from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. in the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. A memorial service will immediately follow the visitation at 7:30 p.m. in the funeral center. Rev. Father Craig Hovanec, Pastor, of the Church of St. Peter, will officiate. Private family interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions be made in memory of Larry, to Mercy New Life Hospice, 3500 Kolbe Road, Lorain, OH 44053 or to the Church of St. Peter, 3655 Oberlin Ave., Lorain, OH 44053.
The family would like to thank Mercy New Life Hospice for the care and compassion that was given to Larry.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com
What’s your fondest memory of Lawrence?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lawrence?
Share a story where Lawrence's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lawrence you’ll never forget.
How did Lawrence make you smile?