Keith Arthur Hilinski, “Kiki,” age 60, joined his parents,
Arthur and Nancy (Bernritter) Hilinski, uncle,
Dr. Richard “Dick” Hilinski, and his lifelong friend,
Mark, in heaven on August 20, 2018, surrounded by
loved ones, at his home in Erie.
Keith was born in Erie, Pa., on
December 28, 1957.
He is survived by his loving wife
Debra (Anderson) Hilinski whom
he married on May 2, 1987 (Kentucky
Derby Day). He attended
Saint Luke School and graduated
from Cathedral Prep in 1975, where
he participated in wrestling. Keith
attended Edinboro University and
worked at Eastside Beer prior to becoming employed
by Whitey Cleaver at The Erie Parking Authority for
a number of years, before he committed himself to
his career at The Erie Water Authority as a Water
Operator for almost 30 years. He was a proud and active
member of The Trinity Club and loved the family
tradition and togetherness of “the cottage” (Dohler’s
Cottages), each summer for 50+ years. Keith was an
avid enthusiast of horse racing and spent many of
his younger years hitchhiking through the country to
special horse races such as “The Belmont.” He spent
much of his time handicapping horses and watching
them warm up at the track in the early morning. Keith
also enjoyed walking his beloved dogs, Aries, Jax, and
Dodger, golfing, the Cleveland Browns, playing yard
games and pinnacle, the annual Pymatuming trip,
attending Zabawa, family and tradition. He advised,
“not to worry about what others think of you,” “never
be judgmental,” and “can’t died in the battle of try.”
He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. Rest
easy, “Free Bird.”
He is further survived by his children: son, Kasey
Hilinski (Morgan), daughter, Hallie Hilinski (Lucianne
Collazo), sisters, Susan Roberts (Steve) and Roseanne
Cox (Tom), and two brothers, Daniel Hilinski (Gail),
and Arthur Hilinski (Missy), as well as cousin, Andrea
Baran, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Carl
Anderson III (Evelyn), Diane McBryar (Larry), and
Darlee Duffin. He is also survived by many aunts,
uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and grandnieces
and grandnephews, as well as many other friends and
loved ones whom he cherished.
He was further preceded in death by Edward and
Mabel (Bernritter) and Casmir and Hattie (Hilinski).
Friends may call at the Carl A. Slomski & Son Funeral
Home, 2101 Ash Street, on Saturday August 25, 2018
from 11 a.m. until the time of services there at 2 p.m.
Please send condolences to www.slomskifh@aol.com.
Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Keith A. Hilinski, please visit our floral store.