Michael John Hillard

Michael “Mike” John Hillard, 40, of Cambridge, Maryland passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore.

Mike was born on April 19, 1984 in Altoona, PA. He is the son of Joyce Stayer Hillard.

He attended and graduated from Altoona High School with the Class of 2002. Along with his high school graduation, he also earned vocational certifications from the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center for Culinary Arts.

On April 24, 2010, Mike married the former Jennifer Glass. On November 4, 2014, they welcomed their daughter, Jade, into the world and she quickly became “Daddy’s Girl”. She was often his sidekick, always ready for an adventure.

Known as “Mike” or “Tiny” to his many close friends and family, he enjoyed brightening up someone’s day with a joke or funny story. Anyone who knew him knew of his great sense of humor. Mike was always upbeat and even with his own health issues, he was quick to offer advice or help to others without expecting anything in return.

Michael pursued a variety of career paths throughout his working years, but his true passion was cooking. Two of his most prized achievements professionally were becoming a member of the Southern Allegheny Chefs Association and then becoming the Head Chef/Owner of “Tiny’s Diner” in his hometown at age 20.

Listening to music was a favorite pastime of Mike’s. He loved heavy metal and rock music, enjoyed the outdoors with fishing and camping, and loved taking car rides to explore new places. He was also an avid reader and loved learning about history.

Mike joined Thrive Church in the Spring of 2024, where his wife and daughter also attended. His church family showed him what the power of prayer can do for one’s soul. Mike had overcome numerous health-related obstacles in recent years. He would often tell his wife Jennifer, “I am fighting for you and Jade”. Thrive Church changed his attitude for the better and Mike credited his healing to the church and his spiritual journey. Mike will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Surviving Mike is his wife Jennifer; his daughters Jade, of Cambridge, and Montana (Cody) of Schellsburg, PA; grandson Mason; mother, Joyce Hillard, brothers Russell “Rusty” Burk and Travis (Dawn) Hillard; brother-in-law Wayne Glass (Traci); sister-in-law Gina Burk; nieces and nephews Austin, Jason, Dana, Paige, Justin, Sierra, Brenna and Garrett; uncle Richard “Dick” (Dottie) Stayer; cousins Pam and Shelby; mother-in-law Betty Murray (Ray) and father-in-law Arthur Glass (Pam).

Preceding him in death was his beloved “Grammy”, grandmother Louise Elvey, who played a vital role in helping to raise him, and his brother Daniel Burk.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 beginning 1:00 p.m. at the Thrive Church, 5916 Shiloh Camp Road, Hurlock, MD 21643.

A second Celebration of Life will also be held in Pennsylvania at a later date; details forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Michael’s name to Delmarva Community Services, DME Program, 2450 Cambridge Beltway, Cambridge, MD 21613.

Arrangements entrusted to Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, Cambridge, MD.