Milford Mirror

George H. Hildebrand

George H. Hildebrand, 90, of Milford, husband of the late Julia (Piekutowski) Hildebrand, died Jan. 23.

Son of the late Henrietta (Jahn) and George E. Hildebrand, he was born and raised in Milford.

Mr. Hildebrand was a member of the U.S. Civilian Conservation Corps (the CCC), which was a federal work program from 1933 to 1942. The 20 CCC camps in Connecticut alone employed 30,000 young people in forestry, wildlife plot and marsh development, erosion and flood control projects, stream improvements and recreational development such as state/town parks. This program’s results lasted well beyond the program end.

Mr. Hildebrand’s love of nature and conservation remained with him throughout his life because of his work with the CCC, his family said. Workers wore CCC uniforms, were trained to work in teams and to respect discipline. This training helped when Mr. Hildebrand enlisted in the Navy and fought in the South Pacific during World War II.

During that war he worked in engine rooms and motor pools, which led to his many-decades career as a mechanic and service manager of a Milford Buick agency. Boats, books and fishing also were of high interest in his life.

Survivors include his sister, Ruth Schuler; his daughter, Deanna Jacobs; two granddaughters, Claire Chmiel and husband, Mark and Erin O’Neill and husband, Todd; and two great-granddaughters.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Darleen; four brothers and two sisters.

Smith & Sefcik Funeral Home of Milford handled arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Parks Conservation Assoc., 777 6th St NW-Suite 700, Washington, DC 20001-3723; or the Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Marines’ Fund, 864 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford, CT 06114-3184.

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