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Peter Hidalgo Obituary

Peter D. Hidalgo Brigadier General Peter D. Hidalgo, U.S. Army (Retired), passed away Monday. December 15, 2008, in Tallahassee, Fla. He was born November 21, 1934, to Emile and Helena Hidalgo in Raceland, Louisiana, and graduated from Raceland High School in 1953. He was the youngest of 7 beloved brothers and sisters. After attending a year of preparatory school at Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama, he received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Upon graduation from West Point in 1958, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Thus he began a military career which spanned 31 years (1958-1989) and included assignments in Viet Nam, Europe and the Pacific theater, and command at every level from platoon through brigade. General Hidalgo retired in 1989 at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, where he was Commander of the U.S. Army Chemical Research Development and Engineering Center. His military schooling included normal officer training courses, culminating with the Army War College in 1978. In addition, he received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh in 1964. After retiring from active duty to Waverly Hall, Ga., General Hidalgo worked as a private consultant to government and industry in the areas of chemical and biological defense and chemical weapons disposal. He was inducted into the Chemical Corps Hall of Fame in 2001. General Hidalgo had resided in Tallahassee since 2001 and is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, the former Pat Wilder of Port St. Joe, Florida. His children include Valerie Quaglio (Ken) of Fairfax, Va., David Hidalgo (Sandy) of Tallahassee and Wendy Wright (Will) of Bel Air, Md., along with his two beloved grandchildren, Joseph Emile Quaglio and Caroline Renee Quaglio. His surviving sisters are Dorothy Clinch of Easton, Md., Shirley Robichaux of Franklin, La., and Sylvia Neukom of Houston, Texas. His extended family includes many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Stan and Everett, sisters Carmen and Deda and grandson Andrew Quaglio. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, 18 December, at the Killearn United Methodist Church in Tallahassee, with internment at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. The family will welcome visitors immediately following the services in the church Asbury Hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Walter Reed Society, Inc., P.O. Box 59611, Walter Reed Station Washington, DC 20012-9611, an organization that supports wounded service members and their families. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home (850-877-8191), 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308.

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

Published by Tallahassee Democrat on Dec. 17, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
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Anthony Saponaro

December 11, 2024

I think it's wonderful that you keep BG Peter Hildago's memory alive through these tributes. I'm also glad that I'm included in the e-mail listing. I can clearly see Pete's face as I sit here. I'm nearing 87 now and still think about Pete and the man he was. May God continue to bless Pete and his family. Thank you for keeping his memory alive. Tony Saponaro

anthony saponaro

December 11, 2020

It's been 9 years since I sent a tribute to the family of BG Peter Hildago, former Commander of Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC), APG, MD. BG Hildago was my boss, who I had the utmost respect for. At the time I was about 3 years younger that Pete. We both had very responsible jobs, when it came to dealing with Chem-Bio weapontry. Whenever BG Hildago needed to reconcile an issue with me, he didn't call on the phone. He would visit my office after work hours. He knew I would be there because I never left my office until I saw his flag lowered every evening. In our business, you never knew when he may need you help on an issue. Pete would come to my office to talk. He never pulled rank on me, but he wanted me to see his point of view and
the position he was in as a General Officer. I cannot overstate the respect I had for Pete. He was the most intelligent man I ever had the honor of knowing and working for. If you ever had the opportunity to hear BG Hildago speak (without notes) , you would sit there in awe realizing what a talented man he was. Every time I see the name Hildago, I think of Pete to this day and the many times I couldn't help him get back into his comfort zone and make his life a little easier. He was a people person first and always. I can't ever forget you Pete. God bless your family, the Us Army that you loved, and the USA.
Tony Saponaro

March 9, 2011

Dear Pat,
I realize this message is quite late, but recently someone from the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center informed me of Gen Hildago's passing. I worked for Gen Hildago for about 2 years and suffice it to say, he commanded at ECBC when the Environmental issues were at their peak. He stood behind the trials and tribulations of the "Edgewood 3" throughout their ordeal. It probably didn't fare well with his military career, doing what he did for those three men, but it says a lot about the type of Man he was. He was loyal to his people and always liked to look pass the blame and find a viable resolution to issues. He was an intelligent individual who knew how to operate outside his comfort zone. During his tenure, I don’t believe he ever had a chance to retreat to his true comfort zone. The words I’m telling you now are those that I’ve told about Pete many times over. I was saddened to hear of his death and it stayed on my mind for a very long time. Belatedly, I’m very sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Tony Saponaro
Perryville, Md

Paul & Nettye Knoop

September 25, 2009

Dear Pat:
Nettye and I just learned of Pete's passing, and want to express our condolences to you and the family. We will always remember the great times at Ft McClellan, and your courtesy to us while visiting in Maryland for Julie's surgery. A great husband, soldier, and friend to many, we will all miss him in our own way.

Tykie McNerney

February 16, 2009

He was a man of integrity, knowledge and fairness. He touched many lives in a positive way -- mine included.

Tom Mason

February 8, 2009

Pete was my roommate and best friend at West Point for 3 years and my Best man at my wedding. He was like a brother to me (although we never fought). Pete was the QB on our Company K-1 intramural tackle football Corps Championship Team our Plebe year (I was a "pine brother" mostly). I was blessed to spend some time with Pat & Pete during a month-long cross country trip after my wife, Hervette died. Pete & I went fishing with his son and Pete and I played a round of golf. It was as though we had just seen each other and not years of being separated by careers and family locations - Pete mostly in the East and me in CA. I was also blessed to spend some with them at reunions of K-1 over the past couple of years. He will be always in my heart as the brother I never had.

Allen & Kish Doucet

January 8, 2009

Pat - Kish and I were both at a lost for words when we heard of Pete's death. Pete and I were both from Lafourche Parish in Louisiana, and I knew that he would enjoy the Community Coffee that I sent. I still remember how you told me that he would sneak a spoonful into the office coffee pot when at Edgewood Arsenal in Maryland so he could enjoy the taste of 'back home". He was a true statesman, a great American, and a friend that all of us will miss. We are all better to have known him. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Victor Gilbert

January 8, 2009

Aunt Pat,Val,Dave & Wendy
Words can never express my sorrow or sympathy. Uncle Pete was always so special to mom, She was so proud of him and boasted of her brother often. I do not think Uncle Pete had any idea the number of lives he touched or how deeply. Our thoughts are with you. See you in D.C.
Much love Vic, Jared & Kyle

Stan Lillie

January 5, 2009

Pat,
Pete was my idol as a young officer and my mentor and friend as I matured. He was always someone I called when I needed advice. He was a great example of a tremendous officer, loving husband and caring father. I will miss him very much. Bonita and I extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Bruce & Teresa Barrett

December 31, 2008

May God continue to bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Al Mauroni

December 29, 2008

BG Hidalgo was a gentleman and a scholar. He was willing to spend a few hours on the phone with me to talk about his time in the chem demil program, and I've never forgotten his patience and in-depth discussion. We're all the poorer for his absence from the Chemical Corps.

L. Sharyn Pringle

December 29, 2008

Dear Pat,

You and family are in my prayers.
Simply put, General Hidalgo was the
best! I feel blessed for having known him.

Jerry Pate

December 23, 2008

General Pete Hidalgo will forever be loved and remembered as a true gentleman, mentor, and protege of generations of Chemical Warriors.

John & Mary Ann Crismore

December 23, 2008

Pat and children. We knew you and Pete at Charlestown many years ago. Kathy and Wayne Sanderson sent us the notice. Just wanted you all to know you have our sympathy and prayers. Sincerely, Mary Ann and John Crismore

Ted and Colleen Newing

December 22, 2008

We celebrate the memory of Pete. He made us all better soliders and citizens. I never met a more generous and fitting mentor who exemplified the notion of Patriot, Officer, and Gentleman.

Jessica Reeves

December 22, 2008

Pat there is no way for me to imagine your loss. Living next to you in Waverly Hall, Georgia as Newlyweds Ben and I often commented that we pray to be as happy and in love as you were in Waverly Hall. We would see you riding your bikes together through the town, visiting us for the birth of our son Benjamin and attending the many wonderful events at the Methodist church across the street from our home. For our wedding gift you gave us something that would last not just a season but for all of the seasons to come. Do you remember? You gave us blue martin birdhouse and book to understand these delicate creatures that we were inviting into our yard. In a way that was interpreted by us as a symbol for a marriage, not just for a season but for all of the seasons to come. I learned a great deal about marriage through you and Pete. We can't claim to have been the best newlywed neighbors however; I know that we were placed in your path for a reason. More for us to receive from you than you from us I am sure. I will always be grateful to you and Pete for the many demonstrations of a strong happy marriage that we witnessed and all of the friendships that you built. Our prayers are with you and everyone in your family. Ben, Jessica, Benjamin and Holden Reeves, Waverly Hall, Georgia.

Ted Lopez

December 22, 2008

We are very sorry for your loss. The Chemical Corps feels the loss, God Bless, vr Ted and Tanya Lopez

Karl Semancik

December 22, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Don and Lora Killgore

December 22, 2008

Dear Pat -- As President of the CCRA it has been my great pleasure and honor to work with BG Hidalgo over the years. He has been my inspiration and to so many others as well. He was a great Dragon Soldier and will be greatly missed. Please accept mine, Lora, and the CCRA's deepest condolences. May the good Lord bless, comfort, and keep you and yours.

John and Joan Nelson

December 21, 2008

Our dearest sympathy is extended to Pat and the Hidalgo family for the loss of such a great man. Pete was an inspiration and always treated us with the utmost kindness and respect. I have nothing but the fondest memories working for and with General Hidalgo.

Amoretta M. (Amie) Hoeber

December 21, 2008

Dear Pat -- I have treasured for years my friendship with Pete and with you. He has been an inspiration to many and it has been a pleasure to have been one of his associates. My deepest condolences.

Steve & Pam Lawrence

December 20, 2008

To Our Dear Family,
What a blessing to have had a man like Uncle Pete in our lives. He was a quite Gentle Man of gentlemen. I always respected his love and devotion to Aunt Pat and his love to keep her safe like a duck under his wing. Steve and I have often said that we hope that our marriage gives people that same kind of feeling. We will miss him so very much but take great comfort in knowing where he is and that we will all be together one day frying fish and eating his awesome Gumbo. (That is if God lets us eat critters!!) We are all here for one another, to lean on each other and that is what our family does. He left to soon Aunt Pat and kids, but he left you all in good hands. In a family that will surround you with love and keep you until we can all be together again.
In Christ Love, We are always here for you,
Steve and Pam

Wally Quintrell

December 20, 2008

Dear Pat and Family, Pete was a tribute to all that is good about this Country; he served our Nation so well in so many ways. It was always a pleasure to work with him along life's way. May He rest in peace in God's glory until you are together again. God bless you and your family..with much love and fond memories..Wally and Kirsten

Siddie Willis

December 20, 2008

Ms. Pat,
Sending my sympathy on behalf of Oak View Home. You and your husband were generous to our residents by always remembering to give to those who have been forgotten by so many. I pray God will continue to hold you in His strong and loving hands.

Pam Barrett

December 20, 2008

Dear Pat,
General Hidalgo was always my favorite General. He cared as much about his civilians as he did his military, and made sure that we were always included. Under General Hidalgo's leadership, Edgewood was truly a family. We all still talk about the "good old" days when General Hidalgo was our Commander and you were our "first lady."
Our prayers are with you and your family,
Pam and Dick Barrett

James M Cress Sr

December 19, 2008

Pete Hidalgo was DCD at CMLS when the school was struggling to stand back up and craft requirements for the future. He then led the effort to develop those capabilities for our service members in the Joint Chemical Community. That our war fighters had quality equipment when it was needed is the greatest testiment to his contribution.

Thomas Spoehr

December 19, 2008

The Army Chemical Corps has lost one of its finest. BG(R) Hidalgo was an inspiration and an example for many Soldiers such as myself. He provided leadership and motivation. He continued to assist the Army and Chemical Corps following his retirement. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Respectfully,

BG Tom Spoehr, 24th Chief of the Chemical Corps

Norma Russell

December 18, 2008

Dear Pat, I was so sorry to hear about Pete. I have memories from childhood all the way up to your wedding. Then we never seemed to be in the same place at the same time. One of my favorite memories of childhood happened during a visit to "Ma Lena's" house in Raceland. I was about 8 so I guess Pete was 6 or 7. We visited one of Deda's uncles out and the country. The adults were served homemade wine and shelled pecans. Pete and I spent the afternoon slipping wine and pecans. We were very happy on the way home. I always kept up with what was going on with him through Deda. She (and all of us) were so proud of him. Norma Russell

Glenn & Theresa Johnston

December 18, 2008

Dearest Pat,

There are a few people in life that you meet, that just touch you in a way that you never forget them. You and Pete are of those few people-always so kind to others! We were real saddened to hear of Pete's passing and are thinking of you and praying for you & your family!

Love ~ Theresa & Glenn

Janet Lococo

December 18, 2008

Pat,
So sorry to learn of Pete's death. What a great guy! No words from me, or anyone else, will lessen the agony you are experiencing. I will keep Pete, you, your children, and grandchildren in my prayers that God will help heal the pain.
With love, Janet

Philip Bauer

December 18, 2008

May God bless you and comfort you at this time and for always. Phil Bauer

William Brankowitz

December 18, 2008

General Hidalgo was the Program Manager for Chemical Demilitarization when we had to respond to our first WWII chemical agent recovery in 1983. He was supportive, calm and a great help throughout that trying event. I remember riding down to the Pentagon and back with him the day after we returned from the site and a difficult press conference. The meeting at the Pentagon could have been a career ender for him, but he was calm and focused. He was a good person, and a good leader. I'd like to think I learned some things from Pete and used them in my time as the Deputy and PM Non-Stockpile Chemical Materiel. My wife and I offer our sympathy to his family. He was a great guy!!

Susan Wilder

December 17, 2008

A devoted, loving husband and Father,a loving supportive Brother-in-Law, Uncle and friend to so many. A true American hero who was humble, intelligent, caring and a true patriot. I know that he truly left his mark on this world in so many good ways because of his innate good nature. He will be missed by the multitudes who were blessed to know him, myself among them.

Bill and Patti Cogar

December 17, 2008

Dearest Pat,
Bill says his and Pete's paths have crossed several times before and they will once again in Heaven.
We both share your grief and hold you and your family in our prayers,
With love,

Steve Neukom

December 17, 2008

Dear Aunt Pat, Valerie, David, and Wendy:

When Mom (Sylvia) called to let us know about Uncle Pete's passing, we were stunned. Uncle Pete was so kind and thoughtful. When Mom was ill in Panama City, Uncle Pete provided tremendous support to our whole family. We will never forget his kindness. My Mom and the whole Neukom family will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Steve, Karen and Sylvia Neukom

Bill and Patti Cogar

December 17, 2008

Dearest Pat,
Bill says his and Pete's paths have crossed several times before and they will once again in Heaven.
We both share your grief and hold you and your family in our prayers,
With love,
Bill and Patti Cogar

Lillian Johnston

December 17, 2008

I was so sorry to hear of Pete death, Pat you and your family will be in our prayers. You have been missed so much in Waverly Hall, you both meant so much to us.

Edmond Quaglio

December 17, 2008

I had the good fortune to know Peter Hidalgo for a number of years. He always was gracious, sincere and accomodating. I wish to offer my sincerest condolence to his wife (Pat) for heer loss.

Robert & Ann Walters

December 17, 2008

Pat,
Your family is in our hearts and prayers. It has been a long time since seeing any of you, but I still remember being introduced to Pete down in Oak Grove. Some peope you never forget. You and Pete are 2 of those.

Jackie Tribble

December 17, 2008

Our hearts go out to Pat and her family. Pete and Pat are one of the nicest, genuine, loving couples we have ever known and we will all miss seeing Pete on our walks in Killearn. Love, Jackie and Ed Fangmann

Ruth Mathews

December 17, 2008

Aunt Pat, Val, David, and Wendy,
I am sorry to hear about Uncle Pete's death.
I know that the grief is almost unbearable. I pray that God will send His Spirit to comfort you and guide you through these days. Uncle Pete was an amazing man that influenced all of us to love the Lord, family and country. His life was one that was well lived!

Stan and Cheryl Ramsey

December 17, 2008

Aunt Pat, Val, Dave and Wendy,

I have so many memories of Uncle Pete from growing up that I don't even know where to begin. He was a great man and one of my very favorite people ever. After my own dad died, Uncle Pete was like a father to me. My heart aches with all of yours at this loss.

Love,

Stan and Cheryl Ramsey

David Lowery

December 17, 2008

Pleae know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Rev. Scott Hagan

December 17, 2008

Your family is in our prayers. You are both still dearly loved by this congregation (Waverly Hall UMC). Grace and Peace to you.

Joy Underwood

December 17, 2008

Dearest Aunt Pat, Val, David and Wendy.....
This was just too soon. I pray Our Loving Lord will give you peace and strength. But we know where Uncle Pete is, don't we!! He is with Mema and Uncle Speed and Miss Joyce. And we'll all be together again. What a wonderful assurance. Thank you, Jesus, and watch over Uncle Pete until we all come together in Your presence.
With all my love.......Joy

Maritza Harris

December 17, 2008

Mrs. Hildago,
We you are in our thoughts in prayers. Our hearts are with you. (our family as well as the St. John-Pitts CME church family)

Michael & Maritza Harris (Waverly Hall, GA)

John Underwood

December 17, 2008

I will always remember when I first met Pete, how he patiently listened to me go on and on about the Lieutenants fresh out of West Point and how goofy and hapless they were through the eyes of an enlisted man in Vietnam. Pete sympathetically nodded and agreed through my whole tirade. It was an hour or so later I was told that Pete was a General. I later became his nephew through marriage. What a cherished memory of a fine man. I will miss him. Pat, I love you and greive with you.

patsy (daniell) Kanneberg

December 17, 2008

May the love of God surround you during your time of sorrow. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Irene Ramsey

December 17, 2008

What a wonderful man, husband, father, patriot, and brother-inlaw.
I will miss him so very much.

John & Betty Miller

December 17, 2008

December 17, 2008
Pat - You are in our thoughts and prayers

John & Betty Miller, Waverly Hall, GA

Scott Long

December 17, 2008

I only had the pleasure of meeting the General once at the Veterens Day service in Havanna Fl. His speech was very moving and later I was blessed to enjoy a lunch with General Hidalgo along with his lovely wife and son and several friends. I will always be thankful for the brief encounter.

Scott W. Long Ssgt USAF Retired

Stan and Shirley Marshall

December 17, 2008

We join with other members of the West Point Society in expressing our regrets and extending our condolences to the family of General Hildalgo. We are blessed to have men of his caliber to serve in our country's Army with such dedication.

Ralph, Barbara, and Michael Warner

December 17, 2008

To Pat and Family,

We are so very sorry for your loss and are keeping you in our prayers during this sad, sad time.

May you find comfort in knowing Pete is still with you in spirit and is in the company of angels.

Love,

MATT HOWELL

December 17, 2008

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Patty Howell

December 17, 2008

Dave and family,
Kim and I would like to express our sincere regrets in the passing of your dad. May God bless you, your mom and family.
With Love, Kim and Patty Howell

Joe Vervier

December 17, 2008

General Hidalgo cared. He cared about his family, he cared deeply about soldiers, and he cared about the Army Chemical Corps. It was a great honor to have worked with him and known him. Working for Pete as his Technical Director in the early 90s, I respected him greatly for his dedication to doing every thing possible to protect the men and women in uniform. He was passionate about the Army and always showed respect for all those who worked for him. He was a hard driving leader and you knew that his motives were always focused on doing the right thing. I never saw Pete take the easy road or do what was in his interest over the organization and the Army. I personally learned a lot about leadership from Pete and will always be thankful for having worked for him.
Pat: Kathleen and I send our love and prayers to you and your family. May Pete rest in peace.

Bob and Marilyn McKnight

December 17, 2008

We are so blessed to have been Pete's friend for the past 50+ years. Thank you for ALL the wonderful memories!

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