Joseph J. Hilko

Joseph J. Hilko passed peacefully on December 10, 2023 at The Schenectady Center with family at his side.

He was born on December 12, 1943 and was the son of the late Joseph S. Hilko and Catherine Sarnecky.

Joe grew up in Schenectady, graduated from Mont Pleasant High School and went on to graduate from SUNY Oswego and SUNY Albany with degrees in History and Educational Communications. From there, he taught high school history for five years, and then turned to sales which was his true calling.

Joe worked for several sales companies, before settling into the role of Publishing Representative, selling reference books and digital media to school and public libraries. He excelled at sales due to his personable nature and hard working mentality.

He was also the owner of Thermo-Bilt Inc. in Schenectady, producing hot water coils for wood stoves. He loved the independence of owning his own business and brainstorming new ideas.

Joe had a wide variety of interests. Above all, he loved sports. His fondest memories were of playing soccer in college, and he was a huge fan of the NY Giants and the NY Yankees. At various times, he coached soccer, basketball, baseball, and softball, and never missed any of his daughter’s softball games.

He loved the outdoors, spending endless hours in his garden. He loved to fish and spent many wonderful days fishing for bass or trout with friends and family. His love of fishing extended to an interest in antique fishing lures. He subsequently wrote a book titled “The Life and Legend of Sheridan R. Jones”, a fishing expert, lure collector and outdoor writer from the early 1900’s.

Joe is survived by his beloved family: wife Lynne, three daughters Mary Kay, Katelyn, and Julie, granddaughter Phoebe, sister Catherine D’Alessandris (Joe), brother Philip Hilko (Adelia), nephew Brett Hilko (Angelina), and niece Breanna Kearney (Ray). He is also survived by his faithful dog Jake.

There will be a calling hour at 10am on Saturday, December 16th at Bond Funeral Home, 1614 Guilderland Ave, Schenectady, with service to follow at 11am.

Interment will be at Park View Cemetery in Schenectady.