Born January 16, 1947 in Kittanning, Pennsylvania
Departed December 13, 2023 in Palm Bay, Florida
Richard “Rick” Hileman was born on January 16, 1947 in Kittanning, Pennsylvania to Lawrence and Avanelle Ruth Yount Hileman.
Rick is survived by his wife Paula; children; grandchildren; mother; sister and brother; nieces; nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father.
During his lifetime, he served honorably in the United States Air Force for six years. He then had a career as an Electrical Engineer working for defense contractors and had the opportunity to work in the South Pacific Islands.
Rick was an avid lover of science and found joy in all aspects of nature. He enjoyed watching thunder storms, sunsets and exploring space exploration. His joys were watching his favorite football teams, Penn State and the Steelers, and challenging others playing chess and bridge online.
His hobbies and interests included family, telling jokes, bowling, photography, ham radio and reading electronics magazines.
A memorial service is planned for 11 am on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home, 1010 E. Palmetto Avenue, Melbourne Florida 32901.
12 entries.
Vicki Baker
from Melbourne wrote on January 9, 2024:
Paula,
Rick and I send our prayers and condolences as the passing of your beloved husband.
Linda & Kevin Kelley
from Jacksonville wrote on January 3, 2024:
So grateful for the time we had with you and your wonderful family.. thank you for the wonderful memories we shared.. love you all and I am grateful that his suffering is over and for the time we had with him and the lives he touched…
Steve Hogan
from Apache Junction, AZ wrote on January 2, 2024:
Dear Paula and the Hileman Family:
I come to you with a painful heart that has a huge void in it from the loss of Rick. I still cannot believe he is gone. I feel like I have known Rick and the Hilemans all of my life. Bobbi and I always treasured our time on Kwaj with you folks and felt like you were extensions of our family. Rick was certainly highly respected by his engineering associates from the various contractors on Kwaj, of which there were hundreds but especially by his local company, ???????? Rick was not only highly skilled in his areas of responsibility, he was always motivated to perform at the highest levels to complete every task with the utmost of quality.
I know Rick loved his family and did everything he could to make your lives complete and a pleasure at every level. He was an ideal husband, father, and grandfather. He was a model for all men to follow. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him.
May God bless and watch over Rick for all eternity. Rest in peace Rick, you certainly earned it.
Toni & Gary Hileman
from Parker wrote on December 31, 2023:
It has been wonderful getting reacquainted with you and my brother and your children. Learning that Rick and I shared the same love for thunderstorms and the ocean made me feel closer to him. I enjoyed getting my brother back after all these years. We want very much to stay in touch with all of you. Anytime you need to call and just talk, we’re available. God bless you. Toni & Gary
Rogers Family
from Turnersville,NJ wrote on December 31, 2023:
May our thoughts and prayers comfort you in this difficult time. We want you to know how much you all mean to us.
We have fond memories of time spent with our “Kwaj” family on and off island throughout the years. Rick was a strong, caring and an incredible person.
In heartfelt sympathy and friendship,
Love, Jim, Kathy, Jamie and Nick
Charlene Bell and family
from Melbourne wrote on December 30, 2023:
He will be missed so much. I still remember him wanting to sit outside and watch the weather during the hurricanes. He loved watching it and seeing the weather changing. There is so many memories we have of him that wont be forgotten. He was a strong fighter and gave it everything he had. He loved his friends and family.
Doreen
from Melbourne wrote on December 30, 2023:
I remember when Rick and Paula got married
and started their life together. Rick brought so
much happiness to Paula in her life and his
children, and the rest of our family.
Rick will surely be missed by all. He was truly a
Blessing.
Brad Epps
from Westchester wrote on December 30, 2023:
Hi Paula so sorry for your loss I hope you're making out okay through this difficult time no he's in a better place God bless
Galasso Family
from Morrow wrote on December 30, 2023:
Paula and Family, Gary and I are so sorry for your loss. You were such wonderful friends and neighbors when we all were on Kwajalein. Rick was fantastic with our son Collins, who is on the autism spectrum and tended to be very withdrawn with so many people. I am so sorry about Rick's death and will be praying for you all. With deepest sympathy, Mary
Jim Bowers
from Melbourne Florida wrote on December 30, 2023:
Rick fought a great battle with the help from all who loved him. He never gave up. May he rest in peace.
Aitken family
from Springfield pa wrote on December 29, 2023:
From the AITKEN FAMILY.
May our heavenly father be with you and the family in your time of needs. We are deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved husband. His loving presence brought so much light into everyone’s lives. Please know that we are here for you during the difficult times and I want you to know that you are not alone.
Debbie Ghalib
from SATELLITE BCH wrote on December 29, 2023:
Always very inviting and always wanted to talk even when he was not feeling good. He battled long with cancer and his warming smile with be missed.
Born January 16, 1947 in Kittanning, Pennsylvania