Anthony Joseph Hildebrand
October 10, 1927 – February 4, 2016
Resident of Concord, CA It is with heavy hearts and deep regrets that the family of Anthony “Tony” Joseph Hildebrand share news of his passing. On February 4th, 2016 at 11:40am, Tony passed away due to complications from cancer. He was 88 years old.
Born in Girard, Ohio, Tony was the son of Quintino Hildebrand and Filomena Catatro Hildebrand, of Calabria, Italy, brother of Catherine Ann Hildebrand Tuel Chikes and Angeline Viola Hildebrand Cesario.
Tony married Stella Josephine Cassias of Colorado in 1956, creating a close and loving family that included stepsons Arthur Patrick (and wife Cookie) and Sans Gerald Hines. Tony, aka “GG” was adored by his daughter-in-law, Inetta “Cookie” Hines, granddaughter, Sandy Hines and great-grandson, Myles Scull. Fondly known as “Uncle T”, Tony loved and had a place in his heart for all of the members of the family, nieces (Darlene, Kathy and husband Steve), nephew (Floyd & wife Nancy), their children and grandchildren. With his generous personality and gentle demeanor, Tony made friends with just about everybody he met. It is for certain that he will be missed greatly and remembered with fondness.
Tony moved to San Francisco in the 1950s after serving proudly in the United States Army during World War II, and receiving the WWII Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal. He was a meat cutter by trade, belonging to the United Foods and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union. He retired in 1986, after managing the meat department at Gregson’s Market in Martinez for seven years.
Throughout his time, Tony’s passions were his family, friends, boating, waterskiing, bowling, Nascar and sports in general, following the successes and shortcomings of his favorites that included the 49ers, Giants and Warriors. As a member of the Sheer Pin Boat Club of San Francisco in the late 50s and throughout the 60s, Tony and other members enjoyed building ski boats, where they built the family’s first boat, the “Flying Tass” (for Tony, Arthur, Stella and Sans)! An accomplished waterskier, Tony also participated with other skiers every year on Columbus Day to entertain the crowds that gathered on the banks of Crissy Field, just east of the Golden Gate Bridge. They would perform various waterskiing tricks, ending the show with their trademark finale, the “10 Skier Pyramid” where Tony climbed to the highest position just prior to their final pass for the crowd. On April 12th, 2000, Tony became a proud member of the American Bowling Congress Elite “300” Club after bowling his sanctioned 300 game. Tony was a regular at his favorite bowling alley, the Paddock Bowl in Pacheco, where throughout the years he established and maintained numerous friendships with members of all ages. Tony continuously participated in 2-3 leagues throughout the year, and bowled regularly until just before his 88th birthday.
An open Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, February 16th, 2016 at the Lafayette Cemetery, 3285 Mt. Diablo Boulevard in Lafayette at 2:00pm, followed by a gathering at his favorite place, the Paddock Bowl, 5915 Pacheco Boulevard in Pacheco between 3pm and 5pm.