Obituary of John L Hilsinger

John "Jack" L. Hilsinger, 70, of Cortland, NY, entered Heaven on October 12, 2017, at Upstate Medical University surrounded by his loving family. Jack was born in Cortland, NY, on June 30, 1947, to the late Herbert "Bill" and Eleanor Fitts Hilsinger. Jack is survived by his wife of 46 years, Barbara Penoyer Hilsinger, his daughters, Amy (Kevin) Odell and Kari (Daniel) Caragher. His grandchildren, Grayson Jack Odell, Lauren Elizabeth Odell, Daniel Jack Caragher and Jack Michael Caragher brought joy and laughter to him, as he did to them. His legacy will live on in all these "Jacks". He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Pamela (John) Cincotta and his brother-in-law, Richard Penoyer (Pauline) plus several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, James L. Hilsinger. He graduated from Homer Central School in 1965. He then went to school at Powelson Business Institute in Syracuse, NY. He was employed as a manager for Grand Union, and later purchased a Pepperidge Farm bread franchise serving the Cortland and Norwich areas. He was known as the "Cracked Wheat". He was a member of the Cortland First United Methodist Church serving on various committees. He always brought homemade cookies to enjoy after services. In his younger years, he was a member of the Cortland Jaycees Service Organization. Jack was an excellent golfer and bowler. He was well-known as the master cookie baker and was an avid sports fan of the New York Yankees and SU sports. Bird watching was also a favorite pastime of Jack's. Jack always had a positive outlook on life by being cheerful, smiling, and cracking his one-line jokes. Being diagnosed with many health issues, he faced many challenges with MS, diabetes, and heart disease but maintained his sense of humor by saying, "I always have room for another disease." A Celebration of Life will be held at Cortland First United Methodist Church, Route 222, Cortland, NY, on Friday, October 20. Calling hours will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by the service. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Homer, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cortland SPCA, American Heart Association, or the memorial fund at Cortland First United Methodist Church in Jack's memory.