Ted M. Hilligus

Dundee: Ted M. Hilligus, age 73, of Dundee NY passed away on September 29, 2026 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Honoring Ted’s wishes there will be no calling hours or public service. Private burial with the family will take place at a later date at Hillside Cemetery.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may send one to the Dundee Fire Company, 12 Union Street, Dundee NY 14837.

Ted was born on March 1, 1953 in Rochester, NY to Adna Jr. and Marion (Sullivan) Hilligus of Dundee NY. He graduated from Dundee Central School in 1971. After graduation he began his long career at Western Counties Telephone Corp., later Frontier, from which he retired in 2004. For many years he was an avid bowler and in his youth enjoyed playing slow pitch softball. He also served as a volunteer fireman and was a past member/officer of the Benevolent Fireman’s Association and VFW Auxiliary.

Growing up in his grandparents and parents greenhouse, the former Hilligus Flower Shop on Stoll Street, he enjoyed arranging flowers. He often talked about making arrangements from the leftover flowers his grandma gave him. Later in life, this led to him designing many dried flower arrangements.

On July 6, 2003, he married his soul mate, the former Kathryn Hines. Kathy was his rock. These last few years she dedicated herself tirelessly to his care.

He looked forward to the annual summer get together with his kids and grandkids. They will miss hearing his stories that would always start, “have I ever told you….” Or the way he would point his finger when he was trying to make a point. And the mischievous grin he would get when he was being funny.

He is survived by and will forever be missed by his wife, Kathryn Hilligus; his daughter, Crystal (Harold) Galusha of Painted Post NY, daughter, Sonya (Neil Balzano) Hilligus of Rochester, NY, and son Ryan (Jennifer) Hilligus of East Windsor, NJ. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Mackensie and Cassidy Galusha, Ayla and Maddy Foster, and Ethan and Mason Hilligus; his brother, Daniel Hilligus of Dundee, NY; and his step-son, Jon Thingvoll and his daughter, Laylla of Dundee, NY and numerous friends.

He was predeceased by his parents and step-daughter, Kyle Thingvoll.

Goodbye is not forever or the end. It simply means we will miss you until we meet again.

Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee; online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.