Charles Martin Hildebrand of Quogue and Venice, Florida, died on June 23. He was 83.
Mr. Hildebrand was born on July 7, 1930, in Garden City, the youngest of three children and the son of Louise and Fred Hildebrand. He joined the Navy in 1950 to serve his country, and he was honorably discharged in 1955. After serving in the Navy, he graduated from the State University of New York at Delhi, with the intention of working in the dairy farm business. He landed a job at Peter Salm’s dairy farm in Southampton and worked there for several years. He became a resident of Quogue in 1963 after his father died and his mother decided to relocate to the house that his father built there on Shinnecock Road.
Mr. Hildebrand lived with his mother until she died in 1978. During that time he worked briefly as a liquor salesman, and then became self-employed as a master carpenter. In 1979 he married Jane Phillips, an old flame from his childhood. Together, the couple enjoyed living in Quogue on Lamb Avenue. They traveled around America in a recreational vehicle and, when possible, boat, and eventually bought a winter home in Venice.
As a master carpenter and builder, Mr. Hildebrand left a legacy of his handiwork in many homes throughout the Hamptons. He helped his wife and stepson, Sid Phillips, manage the Quogue Beach Club for more than 20 years until Ms. Hildebrand retired in 2000. He was a great storyteller and he developed a wide circle of friends through club activities in both Quogue and Venice. Survivors said he was committed to providing happiness to his family and friends through his generous nature and sincere honesty.
Mr. Hildebrand is survived by a stepson, Herb Phillips of Westhampton; four nephews, Robie Hadden of Manorville, Alex Hadden of Arizona, and Robie and Jeff Hildebrand of California; four grandchildren, Erika Smith, Kirsten Mett, Meghan Phillips and Kelly Bookamer, all of Westhampton; and seven great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held at Follett and Werner Funeral Home in Westhampton on June 30.
Memorial donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice Philanthropy Department, 5955 Rand Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34238.
on Jun 30, 2014