Frank John Hildebrand, 86, died Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Hampstead, NC.

He was born in Forest Hills, New York, on March 25, 1927, to the late Francis John Hildebrand and Anna Elizabeth Frank. "Hildy" as he was affectionately known to friends and family, was also preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn Clarke Hildebrand, and his siblings, Rita Reidmuller and Virginia Webb.

Upon his high school graduation in 1945, Frank enlisted in the US Navy and proudly served as a Seaman First Class aboard the light carrier USS Fargo in the Atlantic Theatre. Like his father, he attended Stevens Institute of Technology, where he played lacrosse and was president of his fraternity, Delta Tau Delta. He was a licensed professional engineer, eventually becoming the President and owner of the Preston-Brady Co., specializing in public works and institutional construction. Frank married his childhood sweetheart, Marilyn, in 1952 and lived in Greenlawn, LI, New York, before coming to North Carolina in 1979. Frank loved sailing, and he and Marilyn enjoyed weekends exploring Long Island Sound on their ketch, "Lyzanne". Frank was a life-long learner and avid reader. He stayed informed of world events, politics, and sports; and especially enjoyed watching New York Giants football, and college lacrosse.

Frank will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was devoted to his family, and compassionately cared for his wife, Marilyn, as she struggled with the devastating effects of Alzheimer's disease during the last years of her life. He is survived by his son, John Hildebrand (Kim) of Berwyn, PA; his daughter, Elizabeth Piacenza (Kevin) of Hampstead, NC; and five grandchildren, Arden Piacenza, Kaitlin Hildebrand, Charles Hildebrand, Steven Hildebrand, and Bryn Hildebrand.

Services will be private.

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Quinn-McGowen Bradley Creek Chapel