Brian E. Hilty
Obituary's Biography:
On August 2, 2021, Brian E. Hilty passed from this world at the young age of 50 to start anew in the loving hands of the Lord and God our father. Free from pain and medical challenges, he is at peace.
Brian is survived by his wife, Diane (nee Barowsky) Hilty; father, Harold “Bud” Hilty; pet cats, Lily, Elwood, and Daisy. Uncle to Natalie, Hailey, Alicen, and Hunter; godfather to Kayla Dietz; nephew to Cathy (Leo) Lopez, and Phillip (Debbie) Martin. His mother, Deanna (nee Martin) Hilty preceded Brian in death.
Born in NW Indiana, Brian made his way to Illinois in the late ‘90s to begin his professional career. He secured a position with Grainger where he spent nearly 25 years in positions of increasing responsibility and the recipient of numerous recognitions. It was at Grainger that Brian met some of his dearest friends, and mentors.
When not working Brian filled many hours fine-tuning his guitar playing skills, eventually playing lead for many local bands. Performing for his friends and fans throughout Lake County was his greatest joy. Brian was a dedicated volunteer and board member for a local TNR non-profit, in addition to being affiliated with Children’s International for 20 years.
A loving husband, son, uncle, nephew, and brother-in-law, Brian will be missed for his wit, candor, and sage advice. To be around him was to be better. Brian’s life will be celebrated with a memorial service at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 2:00pm. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday at the funeral chapel from 12:00pm until 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to honor Brian with a gift to any of the following organizations: www.spayandstay.org; www.lymediseaseassociation.org; and www.children.org. For more information, please call (847)223-8122.
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There are no words to express how saddened we are by the loss of our good friend Brian. Our condolences to Diane and Brian’s dad. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Frank and Ivee De Seno
My friend… my mentor… and one of the most amazing humans I’ve ever met. Your musical talents entertained and brought so much joy to others. Your skills on the guitar and vocals are second to none. I’ll miss our chats when we commuted together that we’re always so much more than about work. Loved all the personal stories you shared and how much your family… especially Diane meant to you.. You will be missed… forever thought about and I am eternally grateful 🙏 for knowing you. You made the world and me … better. Thank you Brian… you touched so many lives and hearts.
Diane, I was so sorry to hear about Brian’s passing. Not only did Brian and I get to work together at Grainger for 10 years he entertained my wife Christine and I at so many great venues with his music. Please accept our most sincere condolences. Chris and Christine Towers
On behalf of Brian’s grade school and high school classmates, we are all saddened and shocked to learn of his passing. We all have fond memories and will miss him tremendously. We pray for his wife and family’s peace during this difficult time.
Rest peacefully Brian. You were one of the very best managers I ever had, and I thank you for your words of advice. I’ve carried them with me all these years. My prayers to the family.
I unfortunately did not have the privilege of knowing Brian, but I do know his sweet wife Diane – I cannot express how much my heartbreaks for yours and your families loss Diane, I know that as time passes your heart will learn to live with this sad loss, I say learn because we never heal from the passing of someone we love, we only learn to live with the loss. I pray for you and your family, I pray that the loving memories you each have will forever give you peace and will carry you through the hard days and many first that are yet to come, remember “Tears express the feelings of the heart that there are no words for.”
I’am so sorry to hear about Brian’s transition. My ex-husband used to report to him at FelPro (Federal Mogul) and they went bike riding frequently. I had the pleasure of working with Brian for more than a decade at Grainger. He was a good guy, supportive and helped with weight training during my weight loss journey. My prayers are with you and your family.
Diane, I’m deeply sorry for the loss of your husband. I feel blessed to have known Brian as a co-worker, boss and a great friend. Brian was valued member of our Grainger Team and will be missed by all his friends. He will never be forgotten.
My heartfelt condolences to you and Brian’s Dad. I wish you both healing and peace.
Brian and I chose each other to be musical brothers. I will never be the same having known him, my life being better from it. I will never be the same having lost him, but I will try to find hope in the good times we had. He was a very special person in a lot of ways, and he will not be forgotten. Love & peace to all who knew Brian and most especially Diane.
I am at a total loss of words hearing of Brian’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Brian at Grainger and of course hearing him play at Cubby Bear. He was a super cool dude!! My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time.
There truly are, no words. The Worlds a little less brighter, with Brian’s passing. I hadn’t seen him in a few years, but look back at our times together as some of the best of my life. We both had this, sarcastic sense of humor, where one could say something, and the other would be fighting back, laughing out loud!! No one else would get it. I miss that, and will always miss him. Prayers and deepest condolences, Diane and Family.
My prayers are with you and your family. I had the pleasure of working with Brain at Grainger. He was the best always kind and willing to talk and listening. He will be miss.
GOD has open up the doors for his angel.
REST IN PEACE
Diane, I am saddened to know of your loss of your beloved husband and friend Brian. I worked with him at Grainger and share the same sentiment as many have shared. Great manager, friend, encourager, and mentor. He is missed by his coworkers greatly. God is faithful to hold him and you in His arms now and forever.