Hewlet A. Gwathmey, 86, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, from Covid-19. Hewlet is survived by his daughters, Monique (Donald) Matthews of Corydon, Ind.; Michele Gwathmey of Lockport, Ill.; and a son, Mark (Carolyn) Gwathmey of Saint Leonard, Md., and grandchildren, Melissa, Aaron, Sean, Colton, Cheyenne, Shelby and Marcos; his siblings, Nancy Perry, Judith Wilcox, Margo Gwathmey and Dennis Gwathmey; and his sister-in-law, Nancy Rugebregt. Numerous nieces, nephews and family also survive. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maud Elizabeth Gwathmey; his father, John (Robnette) Gwathmey; his mother, Julia (Mack) Richardson; and his sister, Rita Glass. Hewlet was born in Aylett, Va., and spent his childhood splitting his time between the Virginia countryside and Philadelphia. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1951, where he served as a Jet Engine Mechanic and a Munitions Specialist. Hewlet served in the Vietnam War and some of the medals he earned during his 26 years in the military include: the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal (3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Thailand), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Medal along with several other medals and ribbons. Hewlet met his loving wife of nearly 51 years in Driebergin, Netherlands, in 1957. They married in 1960 and raised two daughters and a son. Upon retiring from the U.S. Air Force as a Master Sergeant, Hewlet and his family settled in Shorewood, Ill., and he went on to have a successful career with ComEd before retiring in 1998. He was a proponent for all veterans and was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, where he also served as the Illinois Chapter 86 Commander for many years. He was also a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Hewlet was rarely without a smile and his laugh was infectious. He was as generous as he was kind. He refused to believe he was old and was determined to live life to the fullest. His family and friends will miss him dearly and always remember him as one the sweetest men they ever knew. The family asks everyone to take all necessary COVID-19 precautions to help protect your family and loved ones from this insidious virus. Funeral service for Hewlet will be held at Farkas Funeral Home, 3201 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60431 Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, at 2 p.m. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until time of services. Interment to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Hewlet's honor to one of his favorite charities: America's Vet Dogs, American Heart Association or Moya Moya Foundation. In accordance with the current COVID-19 guidelines, all attendees will be required to wear a face mask and observe social distancing while in the funeral home. For more information, please call 815-725-0100 or visit www.farkasfuneralhome.com