Rudolph Hilliard

Rudolph Raymond Hilliard
December 23, 1949 – July 16, 2025

Rudolph “Rudy” Raymond Hilliard “aka” Tino,  75, was born on December 23, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, to George and Evelyn Hilliard. He passed away peacefully at home on July 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.  He was the 17th child the 8th boy of 20 children.  

Rudy received his early education in Chicago, graduating from grammar school and later earning his GED. In his younger years, he worked as a truck driver and went on to be employed by Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Company as well as Hallet Terrace Nursing Home in Chicago.  Rudy was employed in Rockford at the Metro Center for many years before becoming ill.  Je enjoyed spending time with his girls Zamyla, Zalaya, Laniyah and listening to music putting Zakyra and Sa’von on his neck, sitting on the porch, taking walks and making videos with his loving daughter Rolanda.  Rudy was an awesome father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother and friend.  He will be tremendously misses and was well loved by all who was blessed with his presence.   

An avid sports enthusiast, Rudy excelled in athletics, earning trophies in baseball and medals in wrestling. However, his greatest love was football. As a teenager, Rudy, alongside his brother Claude, proudly participated in civil rights marches, walking with notable leaders including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rev. Ralph Abernathy, Jesse Jackson, and other prominent African-American leaders. He was actively involved in demonstrations on the west side of Chicago, advocating for human rights and social justice. Rudy was also a member of Operation Breadbasket, the forerunner of Operation PUSH.

On March 13, 1983, Rudy married Carolyn Hilliard (now deceased), and from this union their daughter, Rolanda Pendelton, was born. He later relocated to Rockford, Illinois, where he lived for the remainder of his life. There, he met Alice Gary (also deceased), with whom he shared 17 loving years until her passing in 2016. For the last nine years of his life, Rudy was cared for with love and devotion by his daughter and son-in-law.  

Rudy was deeply loved by his family and enjoyed spending quality time with them. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carolyn; his companion, Alice; eight brothers; and seven sisters.

He leaves to cherish his memory:
    •    Children: Rhonda Pendleton, Rolanda (Stanley) Hilliard
    •    Grandchildren: Devonte Jones, Sa’von Johnson, Zakiyra Murphy, Tynia Jones, and Jessica Morris
    •    Great-Grandchildren: Za’myla, Za’Laya, Za’Niyah and Armoni Jones
    •    Bonus Children: Tinna, Donna, Dorothy, and Delores (honorary daughters) and Mark and Anthony (honorary sons)
    •    Bonus Grandsons: Sir Love, Keyson, Taylor, Lance, and Morgan Jr.
    •    Siblings: Sisters Florence, Emily, and Francine; and brother Claude Hilliard
    •    Sister-in-law: Denise Pendelton
    •    A host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.  Special friends: Sam Christopher, Christine Stevens, and Pertrina Burton.

Rudy’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and commitment to family and community. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

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