Mitchell J. Hilow

Mitchell J. “Mitch” Hilow, 97, a life-long Worcester resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Christopher House of Worcester.  He was predeceased by his loving wife of fifty years, Marie L. (Massery) Hilow.

Mitch’s legacy is his loving family, of whom he was so proud and devoted; a son, Richard S. Hilow and his wife Ginger of Strafford, NH; a daughter, Teresa M. McLaughlin and her husband Brian of Windham, NH; four adored grandchildren and two great grandchildren, Garren and his wife Katie and their children, Sawyer Mitchell and Parker William; Morgan; Erin; and Sean; and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his sister Virginia Rahaim and three brothers Joseph, George and Samuel Hilow.  Mitchell was born in Worcester to the late Assad and Catherine (Aziz) Hilow.

Mitch graduated from Boys Trade High School and from Worcester Junior College where he was a member of Pi Tau Kappa Fraternity.  He later served his nation proudly in the United States Army, during World War II, and was a dedicated member and past Commander of Eastside Post 201 American Legion.

Mitch worked as a gear manufacturing engineer for over thirty years at Morgan Construction, retiring in 1989.  He was an expert in the field and was often called upon to solve complex issues associated with large gear works throughout the world. He proudly shared stories of designing and fixing ski lifts all over New England. 

Mitch was a devoted member of Our Lady of Mercy Church, where he served as a lector and caretaker of the property.  He was active with the Protective and Benevolent Order of Elks, serving as District Deputy and Past Exalted Ruler of Worcester Lodge 243.

Mitch was a member of the Greendale Retired Men’s Club and was very involved with the Boy Scouts. He inspired many people in the ways of the outdoors and some of finer things about life.  He drove for the blind as well as volunteered to read for the blind on the audio journal program. He, along with Marie, worked with Project Literacy and many other organizations. 

Above all, Mitch loved his family. His legacy lives on in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mitch, with his humor and charisma, was the life of every party. His cribbage game and golf swing were strong, and his competitive spirit was even stronger. Mitch was always there for the people he loved. He was an excellent listener and was always ready with sage advice.

Mitch was a living example of how to live and how to love. 

Calling Hours will be on Wednesday, November 8, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.  His Funeral will be on Thursday, November 9, departing the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. in procession to a 10 a.m. Funeral Service in Our Lady of Mercy Church, 341 June Street, Worcester.  Entombment will follow at Notre Dame Mausoleum, Worcester.    

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, by visiting www.stjude.org or to Our Lady of Mercy Church, 341 June Street, Worcester, MA 01602.

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