William "Bill" Hildebrand III

William (Bill) Hildebrand III was born to William and Martha Hildebrand on April 8, 1947, in Kenmore, New York. He was the older brother of John (Susan) Hildebrand of Dallas, TX. He attended Kenmore West High School, Cornell University, and the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Bill married Kathleen Schmitt in Syracuse, NY, and they lived most of their married life in North Tonawanda, NY. They have two sons, Jeremy (Jennifer) Hildebrand of Jacksonville, FL, and Jason (Elizabeth) Hildebrand of Tega Cay, SC.

Bill was a wonderful grandpa to Robert (15), Elaina (13), Rachel (11), and Andrew (10). He attended every school, music, and sport event that he could. He was kind to chauffeur the grandkids when needed to sports practices and school events. He was a meticulous gift wrapper and thoughtful giver. He was excited to be “GrandPaw” to Jeremy and Jennifer’s golden doodle, Levi.

For many years, Bill would attend family gatherings with Jason and Elizabeth and Elizabeth’s family, who live nearby in South Carolina. Bill often contributed to the meals by bringing the pies which everyone loved.

Bill was Uncle to Graham (Julie) Hildebrand and Kirstee (Simon) Stilwell and he was always interested in his brother’s children and grandchildren.

Bill and Kathy often dog sat for friends in North Tonawanda. They had many friends at the First United Methodist Church in North Tonawanda where Bill played the handbells and helped with the church finances, while Kathy sang in the choir. He also enjoyed watching sports events on television and listening to Christian music. 

 After Kathy passed away from cancer in 2010, Bill moved to Four Seasons in Fort Mill, SC. He was an active community member at Four Seasons as a bocce team captain and served on various committees at Four Seasons. He was also active at Philadelphia United Methodist Church, playing handbells and helping out wherever needed.

After a brief battle with cancer, Bill passed away on April 2, 2024, a few days before his 77th birthday. Bill had trusted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, and we rejoice that he is now in Heaven.

 “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints”

Psalm 116:15

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