Manly L. Hiltz Obituary (1935 - 2022)

1935 – 2022 CHELSEA – Manly L. Hiltz, 87, of Chelsea, died peacefully on Sunday, December 11th, 2022, surrounded by loved ones at his home. He was known as Red, Pat, and Old Grampy. He was born on August 26, 1935, to Frank and Goldie (Plummer) Hiltz. He was a lifelong resident of Chelsea, Maine. He attended Chelsea School and graduated from Cony High School. He was married to Joan (Mason) Hiltz in 1954 until her death in 2011. He worked for local area companies as a truck driver and retired to Ocala, FL for winter until Joan’s passing. He was an avid outdoorsman and instilled a love of hunting and fishing into his descendants. He loved his country, served in the National Guard, enjoyed playing guitar in the Carole Bailey String Band, and was a faithful member of Farmer Church. He was predeceased by his parents; wife Joan (whom he lovingly called his “Bride”); siblings; and great-granddaughter Grace Labbe. Old Grampy will be greatly missed and is survived by his four children: Manly Hiltz, Jr (Wendy), William Hiltz (Jayne), Jill Labbe (Jim), and Susan Hiltz Massey. Eight grandchildren: Jim Labbe, Jr (Whitney), Jasmine Dupont (Jason), Jessica Labbe, Charity True (Jake), Jeremy Hiltz (Suzanne), Nick Kelley (Megan), Nastasha Massey, Jonathan Hiltz (Amber). And sixteen great-grandchildren: Nickolas, Matthew, Benjamin, Mason, Jonah, Zechariah, Samson, Thomas, Lilianna, Gabriella, Braelynn, Kevin, Kaylee, Azariah, Silas, and Phoebe. Also, his dear friend, Lorriane O’Neil, and his breakfast buddies at McDonald’s in Gardiner. He also loved and was beloved by his extended family: cousins, in-laws, nieces, and nephews. The family wishes to acknowledge the wonderful care provided by Maine General Hospice and the Harold Alfond Cancer Center. There will be a celebration of life in the spring. Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, www.staplesfuneralhome.com