Robert J. Hilliard, Sr. passed away on Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at JFK Medical Center in Edison. He was 82 years old.

Born in Elizabeth on January 10, 1940 to the late Dorothy and James Hilliard, he resided in Clark before moving to Woodbridge in 1966.

Mr. Hilliard was a member of Local 696 of the Sprinkler Fitters Union for 52 years before retiring in 2006. During 25 of those years he owned and operated his own fire sprinkler business, HG Sprinklers of Sewaren.

Bob proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1957 until his honorable discharge in 1963; and was a member of the Corporal Kevin J. Reinhard Detachment of the Marine Corps League, where he served as an officer and was named 2014 Marine of the Year. During his time in the Marine Corps he served in Vietnam aboard the USS Thetis Bay off the coast of Vietnam as well as serving stateside as an MP based out of Quantico, VA.

Mr. Hilliard was a communicant of Saint James Catholic Church in Woodbridge; and studied Karate for 45 years, achieving the rank of 9 ^th degree black belt. He competed in many tournaments along the East Coast.

In addition to his parents Bob was predeceased by a granddaughter, Nicole Lynn Hilliard, in 2019; and brother, John W. Hilliard.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 62 years, Alice Serdinsky Hilliard; sons, Robert J. Hilliard, Jr. of Port Reading, Richard J. Hilliard, Sr. and his wife, Ann Marie, of Fords and Ronald J. Hilliard and his wife, Ellen, of Colonia; grandchildren, Richard J., Jr., Robert J. III, Alison, Randy, Rebecca, Gina, Alyssa and Ryan; and great grandchildren, Madison, R.J., Robert J. IV, Brielle, Emma and Claire.

A Funeral service will be take place on Sunday, October 9, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. at Costello-Greiner Funeral Home, 44 Green Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095. Cremation will be private. Visitation for family and friends will be on Sunday afternoon beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers contributions to Saint James Food Pantry, 174 Grove Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095 in Mr. Hilliard's memory would be greatly appreciated by his family.