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Edward Hildreth
Edward Whitaker Hildreth of Gloucester, Massachusetts, formerly of Mystic, Connecticut, and Southampton, died at his home on Monday, October 31. He was 91.
He was born in New York City on August 23, 1920, son of Dr. Warren Hildreth, an obstetrician, and Kathleen Hildreth Hixson (née Keener). He was the great-great nephew of the Hudson River School artist George Inness.
Mr. Hildreth grew up in Southampton and New York City. He was a graduate of Princeton University and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He served his country during World War II in the Merchant Marines as a chief mate and was later commissioned as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. He served aboard ships in South America, the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
He married Ruth Rathbone in New York City on November 9, 1945.
Mr. Hildreth was a successful businessman, having worked in the Teflon and plastics industry and later becoming president and owner of Hildreth Associates. In addition to New York City and Southampton, he resided in Monson, Massachusetts, Old Saybrook, Connecticut, Block Island, Rhode Island, Mystic, Connecticut and finally Gloucester, Massachusetts.
He had a great passion for being on the water and was an avid sailor and racer. He was a member of the New York Yacht Club, Off Soundings Club and a founding member and Past Commodore of the North Cove Yacht Club in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. He loved traveling aboard cruise ships with his wife Ruth, including a four-month trip up the Amazon River, and several excursions to Bermuda, Europe and the Caribbean.
Mr. Hildreth was a very loving husband and father who possessed a great sense of humor. His favorite holiday was Halloween.
In addition to his wife, Ruth, of Massachusetts, he is survived by his daughter, Dr. Kathleen Barnes and her husband Eugene F. Barnes III of Massachusetts; granddaughter, Glendon Barnes of Maine; nieces and nephews, Hope Graham, Inness Humphreys, Faith Humphreys, Hildreth Humphreys, George Humphreys and Whitaker Humphreys.
He was predeceased by his sisters, Hope Deal and Priscilla Graham, both of Southampton; and cousin, Henry Hildreth Sr. of Southampton.
Visiting hours took place at the Greely Funeral Home in Gloucester, Massachusetts, on Friday, November 4. There were no funeral services.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mr. Hildreth’s name to a charity of the donor’s choice.
on Nov 7, 2011