Thomas J. Hilson, 75, of Bovina Center passed away suddenly Thursday, July 10 at his home.
He was born on March 27, 1950, in Delhi, the son of the late Alex and Lillian (Schneider) Hilson.
Tom was a lifelong resident of Bovina Center, attending a one-room schoolhouse in grammar school and going on to graduate from Delaware Academy. He graduated from Cornell University and married Elizabeth “Betty” (Murphy) Hilson in 1977.
Tom is survived by his wife of 48 years Betty Hilson of Bovina; children Chris of Exeter, New Hampshire, Dan (Erin) of Warminster, Pennsylvania, and Kelly of Manchester, New Hampshire; grandsons Daniel, Alex and Calvin; siblings James of Bovina, and Marianne Brown of Bozeman, Montana, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Marg.
Most of his career was spent in the agriculture business. He was a feed salesman for McDowell and Walker and also Ralston Purina. Tom purchased Hilson Brothers Farm from his father and uncle, Alex and Jack Hilson. After many successful decades milking Holsteins, he sold his farm, subsequently working for Delaware County Watershed Department until his retirement.
He was one of the original founders of the Bovina Emergency Squad and a lifetime member of Bovina Fire Department, where he was formerly chief. He has served many years as an elder and trustee of the Bovina United Presbyterian Church. He also enjoyed his decades of being a councilman on the Bovina Town Board. He was liked by all and was a respected member of the community.
A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, at the Bovina United Presbyterian Church, 2128 County Hwy 6, Bovina Center.
Visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with the Hilson family.
