Obituary of Donald Hilbert
Donald F. Hilbert, age 92 of Boothwyn, PA died peacefully on September 10, 2017 at Riddle Memorial Hospital. A member of the greatest generation who proudly served in World War II, Don loved his country and devoted his life to his family and his faith. Born on December 31, 1924 to the late Francis and Catherine McParland Hilbert, he arrived just in time for a new year and he was rarely, if ever, late after that. Like so many young men of his era, Don bravely answered the call of duty as a teenager fresh out of high school, enlisting in the Army on March 8, 1943 and in the greater effort to overcome fascism and make the world safe for democracy. He served in the 9th Army Signal Command, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant and helped restore telecommunications systems in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. In the Netherlands, he made life long friends who he kept in touch with across the ocean and visited later in life.
Upon his return from the service Don married Eleanor Kennedy and for 26 years was a dedicated husband and father to their three sons, Michael, James and Robert. The Hilbert family traveled to the World's Fair in New York in 1964 and often enjoyed summer picnics at Mermaid Lake. He embarked on a decades-long career as radiology logistics designer and installer for General Electric where he logged thousands of miles traveling from hospital to hospital applying his meticulous precision to his trade to help others restore their health. He knew the highways of Pennsylvania like the back of his hand, often lighting out before sunrise. In 1976, Don married Regina Brown Hilbert. They merged families and Don became a father to Regina's children Denise, Marie, Stephanie, Beth, Eileen and Paul. Don and Regina spent over 40 years together thoroughly enjoying their grandchildren and great-grand children, their travels across the U.S. and to Ireland, their many Collies, and their home in Boothwyn, PA. Don was admired by his co-workers who celebrated his career upon his retirement from G.E. in 1988.
After retirement, Don was full of energy and took on new hobbies including exploring and documenting his family tree and traveling to new places like the Colorado Rockies. He was dedicated to their faith community at St. John Fisher Catholic Church where he spent many years as a church leader, usher and parking director. Don was a patriotic American who loved "The Duke" John Wayne along with other Western movies, mysteries and classic films. Why race to your airport gate with minutes to spare when you can get there three hours early? Don was known for his punctuality and organizational skills. He enjoyed life's simple pleasures like chocolates and juicy fruits, cooking his family-famous meatballs and the cool winds at the Jersey shore. Don had a quick and wry sense of humor which came in handy with such a big family; he often had a twinkle in his eye when he laughed at the latest mishap or family adventure. He was a dispenser of solid and careful advice, was always reliable when someone needed a meal or help with a project, and he was ever devoted to Regina.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by Eleanor Hilbert, daughter Marie and his sister, Kathleen Davidson. Don is survived by his wife Regina, his 3 sons, Michael (Anahid) Hilbert, James (Donna) Hilbert and Robert (Mary) Hilbert, his sister, Marie Bogan, Regina's children Denise Gilmore, Elizabeth Dever Wilson, Stephanie (Dan) Gaboda, Eileen (George) Sheridan and Paul (Jennifer) Dever, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. A visitation will be held on Thursday, 9:30-10:30AM at St. John Fisher Catholic Church, 4225 Chichester Ave., Boothwyn, PA followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30AM. Luncheon will be served immediately after Mass. Interment will be Saturday September 23, 2017, 11:00AM at White Marsh Memorial Park, 1169 Limekiln Pike, Ambler, PA. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com. Don personified the Army motto "This We'll Defend"; he lived a vibrant and full life and will be forever missed by his family and community.
In lieu of flowers, Don's request was that contributions be made to the "Pink" Sisters at Sisters of Divine Mercy, 2212 Green Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130-3197. www.adorationsisters.org
