Leon “Ozzy” Hillyard

Eldred—Leon “Ozzy” Hillyard, 77, of Canfield Hollow Rd., passed away on Sunday (March 13th, 2022) at home. 

Born December 26th, 1944 in Olean, he was a son of Ernest and Vivian Mueller Hillyard.   

Leon was a 1961 graduate of Otto-Eldred High School and after school he joined the US Airforce in which he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. 

Mr. Hillyard spent many years employed as a roustabout working in production for Pennzoil of Bradford until the time of its closing, after which he went to work for Ethan Allen Furniture of Eldred until his retirement. 

Leon was a member of the American legion post # 887 of Eldred and a 49 year member of the NRA.  He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing and in his earlier years he was a skilled trapper.  He enjoyed Writing and was a quite prolific at sending “Letters to the Editor” in the local papers. 

Surviving are three sons, Mark Hillyard of Bradford, Matthew Hillyard of St. Marys, and Aaron (Sonja)  Hillyard of Bradford; one daughter, Barbara (Jamey) Bernecky of Paigeland South Carolina; 10 grandchildren, Jaryd and Tylin Hillyard, Dylan and Lucas Hillyard, Tiah, Trinity, Jayden, Jaron, and Tegan Bernecky; two sisters, Bonnie (Tom) Jacoby of Duke Center, and Sharon Southard of Prentisvale; and six nieces and one nephew. 

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Gary Hillyard in 2021, a brother in law, Gary Southard in 2022 and a sister, Cynthia Hillyard in 1979. 

Friends may call on Saturday (March 19th, 2022) at the Frame Funeral Home, Eldred from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, at which time funeral services will be held with the Rev. Mike Rex officiating.  Burial will follow in Lamphier Cemetery, Eldred. 

Online condolences may be made at www.framefuneralhome.com

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