Obituary of Chris Hilarski

Christian Scott “Chris” Hilarski, 71, passed away on December 23, 2024, in the emergency room at Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, New York.

Born on March 31, 1953, in Rochester, New York, Chris was the beloved son of Alfred F. Hilarski (1914–1999) and Bernice E. Casaretti (1920–1981). He grew up on Marsh Road in Bushnell’s Basin (Pittsford), where his parents owned A & B’s Candies, a cherished candy shop that served the community from 1946 to 1981. Chris attended St. Louis School in Pittsford and graduated from Pittsford Sutherland High School in 1971, where he earned recognition as a New York High School Chess Champion. He went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Food Service from Monroe Community College in 1973.

Chris began his career in 1974 with Kodak as a “maker,” later advancing to roles as a trainer and quality control supervisor. After more than three decades of dedicated service, he retired in 2005. In addition to his professional achievements, Chris was deeply committed to his community. He joined the Seabreeze Fire Department in the mid-1970s and later served with the Pittsford Fire Department during the 1980s. In 1982, he took over his family’s business, renaming it Hilarski’s Chocolates, preserving his family’s legacy, until retirement. Even after stepping away from professional candy making, Chris continued his craft with passion, lovingly creating peanut brittle and caramel just weeks before his passing.

A truly devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Chris found immense joy in family life. Known for his ingenuity and generosity, he could build or fix almost anything and brought laughter wherever he went—whether on his boat or sharing stories with loved ones or friends. He was the family and friends ‘weather guy’ and a Chevy man to the end.

Chris is predeceased by his stepson Christopher Rimmerman (1967–1989). He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Margaret Carolyn Hilarski; sons, Randy Hilarski (Anabell) of Panama and Daniel Hilarski (Mary) of Webster, NY; additionally, his stepson Brian Rimmerman (Lisa Teremy) of Bergen, NY; and seven cherished grandchildren.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Harloff Funeral Home, 803 South Washington Street, East Rochester, NY 14445, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lollypop Farm in Rochester.  www.lollypop.org

Chris will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His memory will remain a source of comfort and inspiration to those whose lives he touched so profoundly.