George R. Hildebrand
George R. “Hilde” Hildebrand, 90, of Washington, died Wednesday, October 12, 2022, in UPMC Mercy Hospital.
He was born September 22, 1932, a son of the late Clarence W. and Gertrude Bigler Hildebrand.
George was a 1949 graduate of Trinity High School. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1952 and served until 1956. He was a proud Air Force veteran. He was an active member of the American Legion, Washington Elks Club, Bears Club, and the Independent Club.
Following his military service, he spent some time in California doing masonry work, and building mausoleums. George returned to Washington and began working for Bunny Bread and Nichols Bakery. He worked there for 30 years delivering bread and becoming well known in the Mon Valley and Bentleyville areas.
George and his wife, Betty, owned and operated Hilde’s Red Brick Inn, located in Wolfdale. While operating the Red Brick Inn, he also sold life insurance for American General for seven years. Mr. Hildebrand later worked for Canon-McMillan School District as a bus driver, serving for 17 years, before his retirement.
George was very active in the sports community around Washington. He was an outstanding player, coach, administrator, sponsor, and manager for the Lone Pine and Red Brick Inn softball teams. In 1994, Hilde was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Washington-Greene Chapter, in the sport of Softball. He was a PIAA wrestling official for 17 years. He was well respected by athletic directors and coaches in Washington and Greene counties. He also served as an NCAA wrestling official. He was a mentor to many of the current and past officials in Washington and Greene counties. George coached, officiated, and mentored many young athletes at the Brownson House for many years. He was an avid golfer who organized and started the annual “Hilde Open”, which is still ongoing for over 30 years. He was also a member of the Washington Elks Golf League. George was also one of the top bowlers in the Washington area. He competed at the Alpine Lanes for many years. He was an avid Pirates fan, always listening to the radio and TV broadcasts. He really enjoyed listening to Bob Prince. Mr. Hildebrand was a “true blue” Pitt Panthers fan, enjoying the football and basketball seasons. His favorite saying was “Hail to Pitt!” He also loved Washington & Jefferson football. He could be found in attendance at many of their games. Lastly, he was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He would often attend their games, organizing tailgate parties for family and friends.
Surviving are a son, Robert J. Hildebrand of Washington; four daughters, Maureen (Al Christiansen) Albert of Phoenix, Ariz., Colleen (Lisle Zehner) Russo of Columbus, Ohio, Kim (Joseph) Maize of McMurray, and Lisa (James) Welch of Claysville; eight grandchildren, Robert J. Hildebrand, Jr., Chris Albert, Michael (Shannon Murray) Albert, Ryan Maize, Aaron (Annemarie) Maize, Amanda (Glenn) Williams, Donald (Liz) Welch, Dennis (Hanna Groom) Welch; eight great-grandchildren, Bryce Maize, Karlee Williams, Georgie Hildebrand, Aria and Gunner Albert, Wyatt, Waylon, and Wesley Welch; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two sisters, Gertrude Sten and Ruth Anne Evans; and three brothers, Clarence A. “Sonny”, Johnny, and William Hildebrand.
Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, October 17, in the Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington. A service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, October 17, 2022, by Washington Elks Lodge #776.
A final viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of a service, Tuesday, October 18, in Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 21 Church Road, Scenery Hill, PA 15360, with the Reverend William B. Henry, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery. There will be a wake at The Washington Elks Club following the services.
Condolences may be expressed at www.piattandbarnhillfh.com. Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors, Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner / supervisor, Andrew C. Piatt, director.