Julian Hilman

April 1925 - July 14, 2024 Julian Hilman age 99, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and his best friend on July 14, 2024. Born in April 1925 to Lithuanian and Latvian immigrant parents Max and Clara (nee Dorfman), Julian grew up in a modest apartment above his parents' dry goods store, helping out as soon as he was able.
Were it up to Julian, he would have spent every free moment of his childhood at the Central Public Library in Philadelphia. Given his love of reading, it was not surprising he was tapped to serve as editor of high school newspaper, the Junta. Julian's love of learning and current events carried through to his final years. In fact, he could be found each day at the kitchen table combing through the New York Times and LA Times and clipping articles to share with family and friends.
Soon after his 18th birthday, in 1943, Julian was drafted into military service, testing into the Army Corps Signal of Engineers. He served in Guam with distinction.
Thanks to the GI Bill for WWII veterans, Julian earned his Bachelors degree with honors in electronical engineering from Penn State University. This set him up nicely for a 57-year career as a reliability engineer working for Fairchild, McDonnell Douglas, Bedek and the Israeli Airforce, among others.

In 1958 Julian married Lois Glick shortly after meeting in the Catskills. They adopted two children, Robert and Judi, and raised them in the Jewish faith. The family spent four years living in Israel, and those memories becamse some of the most cherished for the entire family.
Following his retirement from Hughes Aircraft Company in 1989, Julian devoted himself to his second career as a much-requested substitute math and science teacher.

Soon after the Watts Riots in 1965, Julian and beloved wife Lois became active in the civil rights movement in Palos Verdes, serving as Board President of the local civil rights chapter and community discussions with PV and Watts and Wilmington families. Julian's devotion to economic and racial justice and a vibrant democracy carried through to the end of his days.
Dad's love for Lois (deceased in 2002), children Robert and Judi, and best friend Dottie and her daughters Erin and Dana had no end. To his final days, Dad told all of us he felt so lucky and blessed.

Julian will be buried at Green Hills Memorial Park in Palos Verdes (27501 Western Ave; Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275) on Thursday July 18 at 9:00 AM with a graveside service. One night of Shiva and a light meal will follow in the evening (location given at the cemetery and in Congregation Ner Tamid email). Julian will be dearly missed. We celebrate his memory in small gestures of kindness and larger efforts to make the world a better place (Tikun Olam).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles or a charity of your choosing,