Robert Fernald Hillman, 71, a resident of Hopewell Junction for 42 years and formerly of LaGrange and Pawling, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Born in New Milford, CT on January 25, 1942, he was the son of the late Fernald Jackman Hillman and Mabel Green Smith of Sauquoit, N.Y. Robert proudly served our country in the US Navy on both the USS Constellation and USS WASP Aircraft carriers. He was employed by the Town of East Fishkill Highway Department for 27 years, 24 years of which he was town foreman until his retirement in 2003.

On May 24, 1964 at St. Denis Church in Hopewell Junction, Robert married Donna Marie Hatala who survives at home. In addition to his wife and mother, he is also survived by his daughters, Robin Hillman and wife Catherine Longo of Oxford, CT and Shawn Petagine of Poughkeepsie, NY; his grandchildren, Makena Hillman, Sedona Petagine and Quinn Hillman; his sister, Deborah Fortuna of Utica, NY; and his mother and father-in-law, Gladys and Paul Antedomenico. He is also survived by much loved in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. In addition to his father, he was predeceased by his son Robert Jr.

He was an avid fisherman who through the years enjoyed teaching his daughters and grandchildren the techniques of fishing 101. Being on the water fishing with his wife, kids and especially his close friends was the high point of his life. This included the Lake Champlain Fishing Tournaments for many years. He also enjoyed hunting and NASCAR. Additionally, for many years he raised award winning champagne De'Argent rabbits for show and one year was awarded 1st place in show for New York and 13th in the country. He found great satisfaction in gardening and keeping his lawn pristine.

Calling hours will be held on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, NY. A service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday at 11am followed by a graveside service at 12pm at the Hopewell Cemetery, 143 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in the name of Robert F. Hillman may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Avenue, 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851.

For driving directions, online condolences, and memorial donations, please visit Robert's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.