Joseph "Jeff" Hilleary

POMEROY - Joseph “Jeff” Hilleary, 67, of Pomeroy, OH, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born on April 30, 1958. Jeff was a 1976 graduate of Meigs High School and spent his life working for the Daily Sentinel, delivering newspapers around Pomeroy. He was always seen with a book in one hand and delivering papers in the other. Jeff’s friends and family knew him as the most giving and compassionate person around. He had a deep affection for his four beloved cats, especially his emotional support cat Thomas (Tommy), who used to ride around on his walker with him.

Jeff was an avid reader and writer – he always had a book in his hands and took joy in sharing his love of reading with the kids while volunteering at the Meigs County Public Library. He was also a big fan of Jeopardy, and anyone who watched with him knew better than to challenge him. He even auditioned for the show once and was only one point away from being a contestant.

He is survived by his caregiver, who he referred to as his “special daughter” Michelle Price; her boyfriend Don Becker; and her two youngest children, Nick and Marissa Marshall; his home care provider and dear friend Mike Staats; special friend, Pam West; several cousins and extended family; his three cats, Ace, Priscilla, and Skitty Skat; and a previous caregiver, Helen Rice and her daughter Nevaeh Robinson.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Christine Hilleary; his aunt, Bernice Swan; his beloved emotional support cat, Thomas (Tommy); and his fur babies, Spanky and Belle.

There will be no services held at this time. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ewing Funeral Home in Pomeroy.

Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at ehwfh.com.

To honor Jeff’s memory, donations can be made in his name to the Meigs County Humane Society or the Meigs County Public Library.