Brent Hippert

Brent Hippert died flying his beloved Beech Bonanza on January 25, 2025. Born in Reading, PA, to Clare and Eugene Hippert, Brent grew up in Newmanstown, PA, with a special love for the outdoors, photography, and flying. His passion for planes and aviation began as a child building model airplanes, and by age 16, he obtained his Private Pilot License. Following his studies in photographic illustration at the Rochester Institute of Technology, Brent joined the United States Marine Corps as an officer during the Vietnam War. As a fighter pilot and instructor pilot, he flew a number of military jets and was ultimately assigned to an A-6 squadron. After discharge, Brent became a pilot for Continental Airlines. As a result of airline deregulation, he joined the brokerage industry, where he spent nearly 20 years as an executive with several large firms. In 1999, he formed his own brokerage consultancy and until his death acted as consultant and principal with many brokerage firms and hedge funds.

Brent's love of the outdoors and flying continued throughout his nearly 50-year marriage to his wife, Jean. Together, they lived in many cities and had great adventures, sharing their love of scuba diving, hiking, and flying. Brent owned several small airplanes over the years, and the couple took numerous trips to remote spots in Alaska and Canada, some with their friends in the Northeast Bonanza Society, and many places across the U.S. and the Caribbean. Brent had many friends in the aviation community and devoted himself to continuous education to improve his flying skills. He was an active member of the Civil Air Patrol and the Experimental Aircraft Association and loved introducing youth to flying. He took many CAP cadets on their first flights and participated in CAP search and rescue missions. He enjoyed attending airshows, especially EAA Oshkosh, where he had the opportunity to fly in formation with over 100 other Beechcraft as well as participate in mass landings. At the time of his death, he was building a single seat Subsonex jet, had completed his PPL-G license, and was looking forward to acrobatic flying and participating in air shows. He was on the board of the Safe Flight Instrument Corporation for over 20 years.

A man of deep and continually growing faith, Brent translated that faith into action. His mantra was "keep going through doors until the Lord closes them," and he loved to talk about God's fingerprints on his life and work. He served on the board of St. Martin's Episcopal School in Atlanta and was instrumental in expanding the school through high school grades. Brent and his wife Jean were partners in family, church, and community. They were founding members of the Church of the Resurrection in Lutherville, MD, where he was treasurer for 17 years and in leadership roles on the Vestry. After moving to Florida, Brent was a key member of the stewardship team at St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church in Titusville, where he challenged the congregation to develop a long-range strategic plan.

Brent's greatest love in life was his family, including daughter Hillary, son-in-law John, and grandson Henry, who was the joy of his life. His granddaughter, Hazel Mae Brynne, was due on the day he died and was born four days later. He leaves behind sister Bonnie, brother Denis and his wife Mena, numerous cousins and extended family, and dalmatian Hope. He was predeceased by his parents Clare and Gene. Brent was a natural leader in any setting and a calm voice of reason, making sense of the world for so many. He was never content with the status quo and always knew something better was just over the horizon. His big heart, infectious sense of humor, and sense of adventure are irreplaceable.

Memorial services will be held at St. Gabriel's Church and Church of the Resurrection at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to either church or to the Experimental Aircraft Association.