Gent Hito

Gent Hito

February 24, 1971 – June 11, 2026

It is with great sorrow that we share the sudden passing of Gent Hito, our beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend, on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Gent was born in Elbasan, Albania on February 24th, 1971, the elder of two sons born to Matt and Natasha Hito. His father, a beloved doctor, and his mother, an English translator, raised Gent and his brother Tony in Tirana, Albania, in a home built on integrity, hard work, and generosity: values Gent carried with him his entire life.

His brilliance showed early. A gifted student, Gent earned Albania's first-ever Gold Medal at the Balkan Mathematical Olympiad. He attended his first two years of university at the University of Tirana, later earning an international student scholarship to continue his studies in the USA. He applied and was accepted into North Carolina State University in 1992. He arrived in North Carolina as a young man with little more than that scholarship and an extraordinary mind, and he made the state his home for the rest of his life.

Gent graduated from NC State in just two years, working full time to support himself all the while. He eventually gave up his scholarship, urging the foundation to give it to those who needed it more. In 1995, his parents and brother joined him in North Carolina, and the family put down roots together in the state they all came to love.

In 1996, Gent married his wife, Anila, and they shared 30 years in a truly special marriage. They didn't just build a life together; they worked side by side for decades, spending all their days together with a bond that only grew stronger with time, an example to everyone who knew them. Together they raised their two sons, George and Martin, of whom Gent was endlessly proud.

Over three decades, Gent founded and grew a series of software companies that would employ over 700 people across the US, Albania, China, Japan, India, Ukraine, Hungary, Colombia and more, all headquartered in Chapel Hill, the town he made his home. Those who worked with him did not see him as just a boss, but a mentor and a friend.

Gent’s legacy goes far beyond the scope of his companies and work. Gentle and kind by nature, he loved nothing more than seeing those around him succeed. He helped everyone he could throughout his life - to immigrate, to get a job, to fix things in their houses. No person or problem was too big or too small. Gent never measured his success by what he achieved for himself, but by how many people he lifted alongside him. It was the very heart of him - it shaped everything he built and everyone he touched.

Through his mentorship, generosity, and belief in others, he changed the lives of countless people for the better. Those whose lives he touched, guided, and transformed can be found all over the world, carrying forward the opportunities, confidence, and success he helped create. He met the world with a smile and a warmth that drew people in and instantly made them feel like old friends. He was a mentor and a role model to many, a great man, and a pillar of strength to his family and community.

Gent is survived by his loving wife, Anila; his mother, Natasha; sons, George and Martin; daughter-in-law, Jessica; his brother, Tony; sister-in-law, Dita; and nephews, Adrian and Eric; his brother-in-law, Josif Skela and nieces, Tea and Jessi. He was preceded in death by his father, Matt. He left an indelible mark on everyone whose life and hearts he touched. His legacy will live forever not only through his family and the companies he built, but through countless people around the world whose lives are better because he believed in them and helped them succeed.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation hours on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and again on Monday, June 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Walker's Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 11680 US Hwy 15-501 N, Chapel Hill, NC 27517.

A graveside service will follow on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery, 12 Legion Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.

All who knew and loved Gent are welcome to attend and join the family in honoring and celebrating his life.