HENRY LEA HILLMAN

HENRY LEA HILLMAN obituary, Pittsburgh, PA

HENRY LEA HILLMAN

HENRY HILLMAN Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Apr. 16 to Apr. 21, 2017.
HILLMAN
HENRY LEA
Devoted husband of the late Elsie Hillman for 70 years; father of Juliet Lea Hillman Simonds, Audrey Hillman Fisher, Henry L. Hillman, Jr. and William Talbott Hillman; grandfather of ten; great- grandfather of 16; renowned businessman, investor and philanthropist, died on Friday, April 14, 2017, at Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was 98 years old. As an investor in the first funds of Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield and Byers and Kohlberg, Kravis and Roberts, he was considered by many to be a pioneer in private equity. He was one of Pittsburgh's leading citizens known for his ethical way of doing business and innate ability to structure successful deals. The son of industrialist, John Hartwell Hillman, Jr. and Juliet Cummins Lea Hillman, he attended Shady Side Academy and graduated from The Taft School and Princeton University, then served as a U.S. Navy aviator in World War II. Over the course of next 30 years, he transformed the family business from its roots in coke and chemical production and related industries into the diversified investment company that it is today. He served as a director of many companies in Pittsburgh and across the country including General Electric, Cummins Engine, Merck, PNC Financial Services, and Texas Gas Transmission. His philanthropy focused on the city that meant so much to him and his family and he remained active until the time of his death in directing the work of the charitable foundations he created. He was perhaps best known for the support he provided that created the Hillman Cancer Center at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute. His most recent major gifts focused on advancing medical and technological research at Pittsburgh's leading universities. He served as a trustee and director of numerous nonprofit and civic organizations over his life including the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Children's Hospital, Action Housing, the Urban Redevelopment Authority, the University of Pittsburgh, and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elsie, who passed away on August 4, 2015. They were completely devoted to each other and to their family. Their wonderful spirit, love of life and generosity together will always be remembered. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to honor Mr. Hillman contribute to either the Hillman Cancer Center at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute or the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. The addresses of these organizations are as follows: Hillman Cancer Center University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (Attn: Kellie Sue Anderson), 5150 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, or Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh (Attn: Dolly Ellenberg), 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. The family will receive friends at JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS, INC., 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (freyvogelfuneralhome.com) from 3.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2017. A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 21, 2017, 11.00 a.m., at Calvary Episcopal Church, 315 Shady Ave., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206.

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April 26, 2017

Ray Allen posted to the memorial.

April 20, 2017

Cynthia Perin posted to the memorial.

April 19, 2017

Sally Stritzinger posted to the memorial.

Ray Allen

April 26, 2017

I just noticed Joe Mistick's tribute to Dan Rooney & Henry Hillman. re: 2 regular Pittsburgh gentlemen; nicely done. God bless 1 & all. Take care.

Cynthia Perin

April 20, 2017

Dear Audrey...Nancy Warriner Smith just told me about your Father dying and I wanted to send my condolences. You were very lucky to have had your parents in your life for so long and what wonderful parents they were... with all they did for the community. Fondly...Cindy

Sally Stritzinger

April 19, 2017

To the Hillman Family:

My deepest sympathy on the loss of Mr. Hillman.

I too had the "privilege" to work for Mr. Hillman from 1984 until 1994. He was the most gracious, down to earth man that I have ever worked for in my entire career. No matter who you were in the Hillman Company, he treated you as part of his family.

I have so many happy memories of our yearly picnics in Somerset, PA, Christmas parties in the Grant Building, hearing Henry's laugh, his favorite Pepperidge Farm cookies for the entire Hillman Company staff everyday of the year and countless other ways that made you feel motivated and proud to be an employee of the Hillman Company.

He and Mrs. Hillman are together and looking down smiling and proud of all that they accomplished together. Pittsburgh will miss you, Mr. Hillman.

Judy Gula

April 19, 2017

Thank you Mr. Hillman for giving us Hillman Cancer. With Gods grace and Hillman Cancer I am cancer free and living today. I wish you Eternal Memory as Christ is Risen.

Peggy Pearcey

April 18, 2017

Mr Hillman will be missed here in Muskoka . He was truly a loving and careing man .our prayers are with the family. Peggy Pearcey and Leona Riley.

Edward Sauer

April 18, 2017

Henry was truly a remarkable man with a keen sense of insight and wit. I will always remember how he treated everyone as an equal and his fascination with technical innovations. Rest in Peace sir, you gave so much and will be missed deeply.

Marcia Singler

April 17, 2017

What an amazing man, and what a great team Elsie and Henry Hillman were. I am sorry this era has come to an end. They will be missed.

Emil and Nancy Sauer

April 17, 2017

I really enjoyed the fun times with Henry and Elsie during the holidays. Being their Elf, delivering gingerbread houses and presents in the early 1980s, as well as their support of me as a sculptor and illustrator.

Emil A. Sauer

I was privileged to meet Elsie and Henry through my husband Emil. They were always so kind and had wonderful senses of humor. We will miss seeing them when we are in Pittsburgh.

Nancy T. Sauer

God bless them both and all the Hillman family.

John Williams

April 17, 2017

My deepest condolences to the Hillman family. Mr. Hillman and his family have been incredibly generous to the Pittsburgh and world community, especially the children of Pittsburgh. The Hillman support for the missions of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh has made a tremendous difference in the health and lives of children. I was honored and deeply grateful to be installed last week as the Henry L. Hillman Chair in Pediatric Immunology at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. I hope Mr. Hillman and his family received the thanks we conveyed, through the CHP foundation, for the Hillman family's amazing generosity and a wonderful event celebrating the accomplishments of Mr. Hillman.

John V. Williams, MD
Professor and Chief, Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Henry L. Hillman Chair in Pediatric Immunology
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC

Ray Allen

April 17, 2017

Sympathy & kindest regards to the Hillman family & very many friends wherever they may be. God bless 1 & all. Take care.

Patty Hall

April 17, 2017

My Deepest sympathies go out to all of the Hillman family members. Mr. Hillman was one of the most amazing individuals I have had the honor to work for in my career. He was such a humble and kind hearted man who was loved by all.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

April 17, 2017

Our hearts go out to the family at this sorrowful time.

We are reminded of the quote by Sir Christopher Wren which is visible in London: Si monumentus requiris circumspiece If you seek my monument, look about you.

Jennifer Hartz

April 17, 2017

I just wanted to let you know that the world lost an amazing gentleman on Friday and I am sorry that he is gone and for your loss. I got the most amazing gift of spending time with him on Friday morning. It was an interesting conversation that spanned how we met 18 years ago and he didn't think I was old enough to take care of him nor make him walk on a treadmill at his age(which was 80 at the time). He shared stories about Elsie, introduced me to the game of KenKen, discussed politics of course,the importance of family, how grateful he was for still having his mind and so much more. Your dad was a fascinating man and loved by so many. I will always be grateful for having known him and taken care of him!

barbara Hartman

April 16, 2017

A wonderful man, who I was very proud to work for. The Hillman Co. was one big family.

John Bottomley

April 16, 2017

To all the Hillman family we express our sincerely sympathies. Henry was part of Nina's life her whole life. The memories made in Canada remain some of her happiest and the love affair that Henry and Elsie had is a wonderful example for all couples.
I have missed my "lockermate" for some time now at Lyford Cay, but I will carry with me forever our conversations and laughter. I am sure Elsie welcomed him with open arms. They are together again.
The John Bottomleys

Mindi Feldstein

April 16, 2017

I want to send my deepest condolences and gratitude to Mr. Hillman and his family. My father was diagnosed with multiple myeloma over 11 years ago and was a staple at Hillman Cancer Institute. He was maybe supposed to live 5 - 8 years, but just recently passed away three weeks ago. Your treatments, amazing doctors, and beloved nurses were all a part of his fight for life. I visited there many times with my father and was always greeted with the kindest words. And, I saw the love the staff and nurses and doctors had towards my father. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for what your family has given to me and so many others, more time with our loved ones.

Ron Tkach

April 16, 2017

To the Hillman Families: Sorry for you loss. You have my deepest heartfelt sympathies. I use to hunt on the Jackson Farm, which was right next to the driveway going up to the Hillman's.In Waterford. I use to talk to the caretaker during deer hunting season. Both Henry and Elsie will truly be missed. I'm sure they are both in heaven, smiling down on us. I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless and Rest in Peace.

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Sign HENRY HILLMAN's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 26, 2017

Ray Allen posted to the memorial.

April 20, 2017

Cynthia Perin posted to the memorial.

April 19, 2017

Sally Stritzinger posted to the memorial.