GSCS Gregory Michael Hillebrand, (Retired US Navy), 62, of Utica, passed away in the comfort of his home, on Saturday, March 5, 2011, after a brief illness. Gregory was born on May 10, 1948, in Utica, NY, a son of the late Francis and Lucille (Gubbins) Hillebrand. He married Victoria Swenszkowski on December 31, 1986, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Gregory served in the US Marine Corps from 1966 to 1969. He then relocated to Phoenix, AZ and in 1981 entered the US Navy, where he proudly served until his retirement in 1999. Gregory was awarded the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal as well as several Good Conduct Medals. He was a very patriotic person and loved his country very much. Gregory was a member of the Yorkville VFW Post 6001. In his free time, he enjoyed reminiscing with his friends and spending time at his camp on the St. Lawrence River. Gregory is survived by his wife, Victoria Hillebrand of Utica; his daughter, Sarah Elaine Hillebrand of Phoenix, AZ.; a brother, James (Jill) Hillebrand of Chicopee, MA; three sisters, Suzanne (George) O'Hanlon of Gibsonia, PA; Janice Palmer of Albany, NY and Joan (Don) Outwater of Fern Park, FL, as well as several nieces and nephews. Greg also leaves many special friends to mourn his loss, including Maribeth White, who provided love and care during Greg's final days; David Rowlands and Sue Hotaling, and the Cholefield family, all of Utica, NY. Interment, with Military Honors, will take place on April 27, 2011, in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. Arrangements are entrusted to the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica. Please consider donations to the Abraham House, 1203 Kemble Street, Utica, NY 13501 or to Hospice and Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413. The family would like to thank Hospice and Palliative Care, especially, Chaplin Tim, Janice, Irene, Crystal and Bonnie for the care and compassion given to Gregory during his illness. "And always there would be, fair winds and a following sea"