Obituary of William Hildebrand, Jr.

William Hildebrand, Jr. Devoted to Family, Community and Justice 1915-2011 On Tuesday, December 13, 2011, William (Bill) Hildebrand, Jr. died after a long, productive and generous life. His oldest child Chris Hildebrand said the night of his death, "It was as if he woke up every day and said to himself, 'What can I do to make life better for my family and help this world.'" This enduring commitment is symbolized by his wish that memorial donations be made to the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, P.O. Box 32159 Newark, NJ 07102 and NJ Peace Action Education Fund, 673 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield, NJ 07003. The outlines of his biography include being born February 10, 1915 in Newark; graduating from Orange High School and later Newark University (Rutgers Law School); serving in Naval Intelligence in England during World War II; being Secretary to New Jersey Governor Charles Edison; and working for 39 years until his 1984 retirement for the company that published the Martindale Hubbell Law Directory, rising to be its president. "He was always a problem solver. He tackled every task and challenge with tremendous determination and down right enthusiasm," said his daughter Ginny Hildebrand. "I remember once reading an old newspaper article about his work for Edison where the Governor described him as a 'hypodermic needle full of wake-up juice.' And believe me that's how it felt to me every morning when he'd jolt me out of sleep to get up for school." The synthesis of his loyalty to family and the wider community was never more apparent than during the Vietnam War. "Dad became a draft counselor," said his son Eric. "He would travel to Brooklyn after a full day of work in Summit (NJ) to help draftees apply for CO (Conscientious Objector) status. He helped save me and dozens of other kids from that horrible war." He and his beloved wife of fifty-nine years, Virginia (1915-2009) were organizers and marchers against the Vietnam War, against Nuclear Weapons and Power, for Women's Rights and were volunteers with the American Civil Liberties Union. Their partnership in social justice causes began in the 1960's when they were among the founders of the Fair Housing Council of Maplewood and South Orange, which pressured Real Estate Agents and individuals to end their policies of racial discrimination. For many years he and his wife frequently traveled across the country and to Europe with their adored grandchildren, Lauren and Katie, their daughter-in-law Paddy and Eric. Bill and Virginia warmly embraced Ginny's and Chris' companions. "He had a huge heart and we'll forever love him," said Chris. "Dad was extremely accomplished and self-confident but never pretentious or egotistical. That's a pretty unique and very admirable combination. In fact, he'd always laugh heartily at his own idiosyncrasies when I'd point them out," said Ginny. His family describes him as simply the kindest, best man they ever knew. Many others will remember him in this way too. The family is grateful to the staff of Winchester Gardens for the gentle, respectful care they gave to Bill and Virginia during their last years. A Memorial Gathering will be held at Winchester Gardens (The Great Hall) on January 28th at 1:00 PM For further information please contact Chris Hildebrand: 908.687.9180; chrishil@verizon.net or Winchester Gardens: 973.762.5050