HILLEL BLACK Obituary

BLACK--Hillel, on February 8th at the age of 86. He fought for every moment, savoring life until the end. A man of words and expression, he will be remembered for his contributions and guidance to writers around the globe. He is survived by his children David, Leora and Harry,

and daughter-in-law Melissa, grandchildren Benjamin, Jacob and Mitchell. Donations in Hillel's memory may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Feb. 9, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for HILLEL BLACK

14 Entries

Ray Troiani

March 18, 2024

I met Hill through a mutual friend, at the time I owned and operated an auto repair business in New Jersey. Hill contacted me to schedule an appointment to have his car repaired. He explained he would drop it of take mass transit to his home in the city and then make the return trip to pick it up. After hearing this, to reduce his inconvenience associated with traveling to my facility in NJ, I offered him the hospitality of my home as a waiting room while I serviced his vehicle. From this business association grew a friendship, from which I got to know Hill personally. Additionally, I was given the honor of an invitation to being invited to Harry's Mitzvah. I am no longer in the auto repair business, and I suspected that something was wrong because his phone number no longer worked and Hill stopped responding to me on his linkedin page. I only just this day have gotten the time to look up his profile (tardy though it is, I admit) and came across his obituary. I will respect and cherish the time I spent with this gentle man, and forever hold dear the cultural buzz words he shared with me. Sincerely Ray Troiani

Richard Wilmot-Smith

February 3, 2021

I have such fond memories still. Coming to NYC to have my latest manuscript eviscerated. Walking up to the apartment then after evisceration a convivial dinner. Such a kind man and a good writer. 'They Shall Not Pass' is a wonderful book. Hillel you made so many people much better than they thought they could be.

Barbara Lacay

October 6, 2016

I had come to known Hillel when searching for an editor for my book. To say he was the most kindest person, and encouraging, is truly an understatement. I enjoyed the many conversations, speaking of family, his late wife and how he connected with my story among other things. I was sad to hear that he had passed away when calling for the return of my book. I am proud to have one of his last finished works because for that short time I called him friend. My sympathies to all who have lost this wonderful soul.

Ellen Harris

February 13, 2016

Hillel was the kind of editor who alternated spoon feeding you chicken soup with pushing you off the high dive. He thought you could swim.

james fitzgerald

February 11, 2016

Hillel was a very generous man who affected anyone he came in contact with.

Anthony Summers

February 11, 2016

I met Hill in the early 1980s when I was a rookie author with no certainty of making it professionally in the vital U.S. market. He at once "got" the sort of animal I was (a non-fiction writer) and "got" the project on which I was working. He was effectively the boss at Macmillan, gave me a good advance and made the book work - thanks to sage editing. He also became a real friend, and had a great sense of humor. I wish we had been more in touch these past years when publishing and authoring have had so many problems.

John Rosengren

February 10, 2016

I was fortunate to work with HIllel on two books. He was a sage and gentle editor. Also simply a good man. It was easy to enjoy his company. My sympathies to the family.

Ronald Caplan

February 10, 2016

My deepest sympathy. Hillel was a trusted friend.

Jackie Meyer

February 10, 2016

Had the pleasure of working with Hillel at Macmillan. The kindest man, a mentor and a true gentleman. My heart goes out to his family.

Richard Wilmot-Smith

February 10, 2016

One of the greats and a good friend.

February 9, 2016

Offering my condolences and hoping that you find comfort in knowing that God is near to us when our hearts are broken.

David Leite

February 9, 2016

Offering my deepest sympathies to Mr. Black's family and friends.

Betty and Dan Koshinsky

February 9, 2016

Dear Leora, Ben and Jacob,

Please accept our condolences, thoughts and prayers in the loss of your Dad and Grandfather. Although we did not know Mr. Black we know that he will be dearly missed. Sending well wishes and thoughts to all your family.

Bonny Fetterman

February 9, 2016

I got to know Hillel through a freelance editors group we started two decades ago. Hillel was a wonderful mentor and role model to us all and I will miss his legendary sanity and good humor.

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