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John H. Hilsher III, 64, of Nisbet, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
John was born in Williamsport on February 4, 1961, the son of Jacqueline Szybist and John Hilsher Jr. He was a graduate of Montoursville High School and, from a young age, began working alongside his grandfather and later his father at the family business, Hilsher Graphics. John's involvement in the company spanned every aspect of its operations. He started by learning the fundamentals-- over time, he took on greater responsibilities, eventually moving into supervisory and management roles. His hands-on experience and commitment to quality made him an integral part of the business, helping to guide its growth and maintain the high standards for which Hilsher Graphics became known.
Outside of work, John found joy in many hobbies that reflected both his adventurous spirit and his creative hands. Whether he was snowmobiling through the winter trails or riding his ATV, he always loved the outdoors regardless of the season. He had a deep passion for woodworking and spent countless hours in his workshop. Trains fascinated him since childhood, and he never outgrew that wonder, sharing it with his grandkids through model train sets and stories of locomotives from another era.
But perhaps nothing captured John's essence more than his love of tinkering. If something was broken, John would fix it--whether it was a squeaky door, toy, or helping one of his kids. He had an uncanny ability to solve problems with his hands and a little ingenuity, earning him the well-deserved title of "Mr. Fix-It."
Yet, of all the things that filled John's time, nothing mattered more to him than his family. His greatest happiness came from simply being surrounded by them. He adored his grandchildren beyond words and was most at peace when sharing laughter, stories, or quiet moments with them. Whether playing with his train sets together, taking them for a ride in their toy cars, those moments were his true treasures. To his family, John wasn't just a husband, father or grandfather--he was a steady presence, a wise guide, and a source of unconditional love and support.
John and his wife, Susan (Dincher) Hilsher, would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on October 26, 2025. He is also survived by his beloved daughters and their families, Andree (Maksim) Korotun of Long Island City, NY; Samantha (Jacob) Haldeman of Bastress Township; grandchildren, Nastasya Korotun and Henry Haldeman; and sisters, Stephanie (Pat) Jackson, Cindy (Rick) Dorr, and Jayme Sherman.
John was preceded in death by his father, Jay (Sally) Hilsher, and his mother, Jacqueline (Bob) Fleisher.
There will be a family-only viewing Sunday night at Crouse Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 23, 2025, at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 702 W. 4th St., Williamsport, with his pastor, Rev. David W. Bechtel, officiating. Burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery and a celebration of John's life which will provided at the cemetery as well. Everyone is welcome to both the service and burial/luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial contributions in John's name to the Susquehanna Health Foundation for the benefit of the Heart and Lung Center, 1001 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, PA 17701.
Please visit www.crousefuneralhome.com to share a memory or sign the register book.