James R. Hildebrand, 93

August 09, 2015

James R. Hildebrand, 93, of Lancaster, formerly of Camp Hill, and longtime resident of St. Anne’s Retirement Community, passed away Sunday, August 09, 2015, at Hospice & Community Care in Mount Joy. Born in Philadelphia, PA he was the son of the late Maurice and Marie (Derridinger) Hildebrand. He was the husband of Virginia (Miller) Hildebrand with whom he recently celebrated 72 years of marriage with this July.
He was a 1940 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School and attended Villanova University in Philadelphia. He was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, having served during World War II. James was a chemical engineer with AMP, Inc. in Harrisburg, retiring after more than 30 years of service.
James enjoyed serving others through volunteerism. He volunteered with the Central PA Hospice where he provided pastoral care for Harrisburg Hospital. He also volunteered at Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill. Finally, he was a member of the Sierra club that supports seminarians in the Harrisburg Diocese and missions around the world.
He was a 4th degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Council #4068, where he served as a grand knight. James was a longtime devout member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Camp Hill.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter Robin Turpin, wife of Samuel, of Mechanicsburg, PA; son, Gregory Hildebrand, husband of Sue Walters, of Birmingham, AL; nine grandchildren: Stacy, Scott, Michelle, Melissa, Jonathan, Sarah, Andrew, Jessica, Rachel; twelve great-grandchildren; sister, Kathryn Finefrock of Lancaster; son-in-law, Robert Dietz; daughter-in-law, Donna Hildebrand; and grandson-in-law, Jon Whelan. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Jean Dietz; son, Dr. James Ross Hildebrand III; and granddaughter, Heather Whelan.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Anne’s Retirement Community, 3952 Columbia Ave, Columbia, PA 17512, in the chapel on Thursday, August 13, 2015, at 11AM.The family will receive visitors from 9:30-11AM in the chapel prior to services. A reception will follow the military tribute at St. Anne’s Retirement Community. Interment will be at Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Mechanicsburg, PA on Friday at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in James’s memory may be made to St. Anne’s Retirement Community at the above address or to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.