Samuel Albert “Duane” Hullihen passed away on June 8, 2021 at the age of 92, in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Born Oct. 4, 1928, in Bethel Hill, PA, Sam was the son of the late William Blake Hullihen and Ada Amanda (Grove). He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Irene (Smith), 3 brothers; Bill, Russell, and Leroy, his sister Martha and by his son Ronald D. Hullihen.
Sam is survived by brother Robert Dwight Hullihen of Millville, NJ; son Robert D. Hullihen of Vineland, NJ; son Richard D. Hullihen of Nazareth, PA; daughter Cathy Dunn of Spartanburg, SC; son William L. Hullihen of Collegeville, PA; and 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
A talented woodworker by trade, Sam retired from Newcomb Medical Center in Vineland, NJ (South Jersey Healthcare Regional Medical Center) in 1992 and they moved back to their hometown of Johnstown, PA that same year. A determined handyman, Sam could fix most anything – and had a collection of tools and hardware – just in case. Growing up in our household, we never once had a repairman visit our home; Dad would say: “They’re just gonna send some guy over here to fix it. Well, I’m a guy.”
Having to endure the last eleven years without his loving wife Dorothy, Sam spent most of his days walking the trails and hills of South Fork, PA. Always a kind greeting to his neighbors, they said “There goes Sam, heading up the hills again.”
Always kidding, constantly teasing – and no one was spared – especially if he liked you. Our mother was the daily recipient of Dad-isms. Example: After stuffing himself at dinner, Dad would push himself away from the table, pat his full belly and proclaim: “Well, I guess that’ll have to hold me till I can eat right.” Mom would just roll her eyes. His most over-used line: “It could always be worse; there could be two of me.” And his favorite, albeit off-color line: “It’s nice out, I think I’ll leave it out.”
There will be no public viewing or service at family’s request.
Sam had a big heart for animals; always feeding the birds and stray cats. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to donate to your local ASPCA in memory of Sam, he would like that. Memorial Gifts | ASPCA
Arrangements in care of Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 1521 Frankstown Rd., Johnstown, PA 15902, “Exclusive Provider of Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” Condolences may be made at HindmanFuneralHomes.com