George J. Hiltner III Of Southampton Dies April 29

After a years’ long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, George J. Hiltner III, 82, passed away on April 29, 2022 at Arden Courts of Cherry Hill in New Jersey with his wife by his side. He was born to George Jr. and Katherine (nee Diehl) Hiltner on January 20, 1940 in Baltimore, Maryland. He was a long time resident of Southampton, New York and in later years of The Villages, Florida and Marlton, New Jersey.

After graduating from Lebanon Valley College with a Bachelor’s degree in 1962, George attended Union Theological Seminary with the intention of becoming a minister. In February of 1963, George was assigned to work as an assistant minister of youth activities in the Southampton Presbyterian Church in Southampton, NY. It was during this assignment that he met his future wife, Sandy Jenny. The two were married in Southampton on August 28, 1965.

While George ultimately decided that church leadership was not his calling, he nevertheless embarked on a career involving service to others. First working at Southampton College in admissions for several years, he moved on to hold the roles of registrar and then career counselor at Suffolk County Community College in Riverhead, NY, where he worked for almost 30 years. He completed his Master’s degree in counseling from LIU CW Post and was a member of various educational and counseling associations. George also served as a member of the Southampton School Board for a five-year term.

Music was an essential component of George’s life. He started playing piano at the age of five and by age 13 was playing the organ as a full time church organist. He served as a church organist and choir director for much of his life, and over his career was blessed to send off hundreds of newlyweds as he played for their matrimonial ceremony, including those of many friends. George also played piano for the local high school musicals and was the member of various musical singing groups.

What may be best remembered about George was his love of life and his desire to listen completely to those he engaged with. There was not an experience he wasn’t eager to try, whether it be learning to play golf, attending bartending school or white water rafting; having a meal with George was a sublime experience. As a grandfather, George had a chance to be a child again, a role he cherished, as did his grandsons. He was an active listener and enjoyed peppering his friends and family (and strangers too) with questions; he truly wanted to know all about those he interacted with and made one feel heard. We will miss his zest for life, his authentic concern for others and enjoyment of all life has to offer.

George is survived by Sandy, his devoted wife of 56 years; his loving daughter Deanna, son-in-law Mark Brandreth and beloved grandsons Benjamin and Christopher Brandreth of Marlton, NJ; sisters Dorcas Janney and Judith Hiltner (James Walker); his brother Stephen Hiltner (Linda Cross) and a host of wonderful relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Bradley Funeral Home in Marlton, NJ on Saturday, June 11, 2022, with visiting hours from 10-11am and a memorial service at 11am. Following the service, all attendees are invited to a luncheon at the Sagemore Clubhouse located at 900 Sagemore Drive, Marlton NJ.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Suffolk Community College Foundation via their website sunysuffolk.thankyou4caring.org or by mail to the address 533 College Road, Selden, NY 11784-2889.