David Laurence Hilber

David "Dave" Laurence Hilber, 87, passed away peacefully at his home in Sun City, Ca on Saturday morning, February 07, 2026. He was born at St. Bernadine's Hospital in San Bernardino, Ca on May 27, 1938, to parents William "Bill" and Mary (Hiss) Hilber. Growing up in San Bernardino, he attended Holy Rosary School, Eliot Elementary, graduated from St. Bernadine's High School and attended San Bernardino Valley College.

Dave loved to tell the story of how his childhood newspaper route for the Los Angeles Times led him to deliver newspapers on his bike all around North San Bernardino including to the McDonald brothers Richard and Maurice of the original McDonald's who lived in a huge mansion in the hills. He explained that he would have to toss the newspaper over the very tall fence where it would land on their tennis courts!

As a teen, David began what would be his lifelong career in the grocery business when he started as a box boy at Spic N Span market. From there he was hired at Stater Bros Markets as a seasonal employee and subsequently let go. He had made a good impression with his manager however, because when a permanent position later opened, he was called back to work for them.

He devoted 43 years to his career at Staters, working from a box boy to a cashier, then assistant store manager and store manager working at various locations from San Bernardino's 2nd Street, Colton, South Pomona and then Rubidoux where he finally relocated to the main office located in Colton, Ca becoming one of a handful of employees who purchased merchandise for all the stores. He retired from Staters in 2000 but decided to come back after a short break to work another year, finally officially retiring in 2001. Throughout his career he showed dedication and dependability.

In his personal life David was a devoted family man, always putting others first. He was continuously loving, encouraging and supportive. In 1959, he married Dixie Lee Weyls and together they welcomed three beloved children: Anne, Stephen and Marcella. After divorcing, Dave was left a single father raising three small children. A few years later he met his second wife Patricia Ann Cook whom he married in 1970. Together they welcomed daughter Alysha the following year. They raised their family in Rialto, CA and were married almost 37 years until Pat's passing in 2008 from breast cancer. David was blessed to find love a third time when he met Marie Hutchins Peacock and in 2010 they were joined in marriage. Together they made their home in Sun City, CA and would have celebrated their 16th anniversary this April.

Once retired, Dave stayed very active and was always on the go. He enjoyed golfing with friends and family- especially with his son Steve, competing in local chair volleyball competitions in which he perfected his amazing overhand serve, his daily mile walks, metal detecting, and traveling with Marie in their RV all over California and nearby states. He enjoyed his daily newspaper and keeping up with current events.

He was a wealth of knowledge on just about any subject and was a wonderful troubleshooter, no matter the situation. He was funny and loved a good joke. He liked to tease his kids and grandkids especially, making us laugh. As kids, we had rolled up newspaper "fights", using our handmade weapons as swords- dueling it out in the living room! We would try to tickle him under his arms, where he was most ticklish, and mess up his precisely combed hair, causing all of us to erupt in roars of laughter! At six foot, two inches with his long legs, walking with him as a kid was always an adventure! Every one of his strides was 3-4 of ours. He walked fast everywhere he went, and we needed to keep up!

In the last year and a half of Dave's life, he sadly suffered several strokes and falls which caused brain-bleeds, that lead to his decline. He had to relearn to walk and use his hands, staying in the hospital and rehabilitation centers, where he would return home and need to continue to relearn everyday tasks. It was hard work, but he did it faithfully for so long. He continually had a smile on his face when we visited, and he always persevered. He taught us to never give up, no matter what. He will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know him.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Marie Hilber, daughters Anne (& Stuart) Macchione, Marcella Hilber, and Alysha Kale; grandchildren Amy (& Mike) Hans, Stephanie (& Jay) Vargas, Becca (& Jason) Amsden, Steven Hilber, Cassie (& Josef) Erickson, Mia Hilber-Hansmeier, Arianna (& Jimmy) Rodriguez, Jarod (& Destiny) Kale, Gavin Kale, and Alyvia Kale; five great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Mary Hilber, his brother Richard Hilber, his son Steve Hilber, and his granddaughter Laiken Kale.

A Memorial Service will be held for him on

Saturday, March 14, 2026
from 1:00 - 4:00 PM at:

The Town Hall located at
Southern California Railway Museum
2201 South 'A' Street, Perris, CA 92570

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dave may be made to his family to help offset his memorial costs or to your favorite charity.