Hillar Oona

Hillar Oona

Hillar Oona, 81, formerly of Catskill, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2015.  He was the oldest son of the late Rudolf and Elfriide (Orin) Oona.  Hillar was born on December 5, 1933, in Tartu, Estonia, and became a naturalized citizen on December 2, 1955.  He was predeceased by his wife of 34 years, Linda Dibble Oona, in 2009.  Hillar graduated from Coxsackie-Athens Central School in 1954 and from RPI in 1962, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. 

In 2004, Hillar retired from Espey Electronics and Manufacturing in Saratoga Springs, NY. During his employment at Espey, Hillar co-created the lenses for an optical landing system which is still being used on aircraft carriers.  In his free time, Hillar enjoyed designing, creating, and modifying tools to make them work more efficiently.  He was an avid bicyclist and rode daily.  He loved nature and being active outdoors.  Hillar enjoyed learning new things.  He had a passion for photography and music.  He had taught himself to play the piano, and had recently taken up playing guitar. 

Surviving are brothers Hain and Henn Oona, both of New Mexico, a cousin Leili Ora of Connecticut, several nieces and nephews, dear friends and extended family, Sheila Edens, Nicole Center, and Treesa Browning, all of Saratoga.

There will be a Celebration of Hillar’s Life in Catskill, NY in the spring.  Condolence messages may be posted to compassionatefuneralcare@gmail.com.