Benjamin D. Hilton

Obituary
BENJAMIN D. HILTON
Benjamin D. Hilton died Friday, January 23, 2004, at age 81, due to congestive heart failure.He was born in Cortland, NY June 8, 1922 to the late Dorothy Pomeroy and Benjamin Hilton Sr. He was predeceased by his sisters, Barbara and Katherine and his brother, Lindsay.Survivors include his wife, Christina Hilton Fenn of Ithaca; his son, Jon Hilton and daughter-in-law, Christina C. Hilton, of Ithaca; several nieces and nephews; and his former wife, Ruth B. Hilton of New York City.Ben, an accomplished musician, was brought up through childhood to be a concert violinist. But he also loved the sciences, so he chose to major in organic chemistry at Cornell University, graduating in 1944.Upon graduation, he entered the military during W.W.II, serving as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army stationed in the Philippines. He then headed up a Bomb and Mine Disposal unit in Japan for two years after the war.After returning to Ithaca, he started employment at Cornell University as a Neurobiology Research Chemist with emphasis on Neurotoxicology. He worked in several different laboratories around the campus during his career and particularly enjoyed working with Foreign Graduate and Post Doctoral students from around the world.Music was always important to Ben and he played the violin throughout his life. In addition to teaching violin for awhile, he performed professionally -- frequently with his wife Tina (flutist) -- and often played music with friends and family. He especially enjoyed being the First Violinist of a local string quartet for more than 30 years. For many years, he was Concertmaster of the Cornell Symphony Orchestra and Cornell Savoyards.After retirement, Ben kept busy by offering his free time to the Lab at the Cayuga Medical Center, volunteering his services full time until the age of 80. He enjoyed helping out with his knowledge of laboratory chemistry and felt his contribution was worthwhile, thanks to the appreciation expressed by the staff at the Lab.Ben was an empathetic listener known for his warm and giving nature. People of all ages and backgrounds felt comfortable with him and found him easy to approach. He was fun to be around; and we will all miss his great sense of humor and the twinkle in his eye.And he was an animal lover, with the friendly cats and dogs at home surrounding him and enjoying his company.Ben's wishes were that there be no funeral or memorial service for him. However, family members and many friends would like the opportunity to have a celebration of Ben's life at a later date, to share memories and stories. They are asked to please contact his son, Jon Hilton, at 128 West Haven Rd., Ithaca or email Hiltronex@aol.com. Donations, in his memory, can be made to the local SPCA, Planned Parenthood, Hospicare, or the charity of one's choice.