John A. Hilbert Jr. of Water Mill Dies October 7

John A. Hilbert Jr. died on October 7 at his home in Water Mill with his wife, Jacqueline, by his side. He was 96.

He was born on December 27, 1927, to John and Grace Hilbert of Far Rockaway, Queens.

He graduated from Lindenhurst High School in June 1945. Hearing the call to serve his country, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Pearl Harbor as a pilot boat captain.

After his service in the Navy, he eventually moved out towards the East End in the 1950s, where he built a motel and bar across from Southampton College. During the 1960s, The Tru Blu became a popular college hangout.

In 1968, he met Jacqueline Collins, who was employed by the British Foreign Service and stationed at the United Nations in New York City. They were married on October 11, 1969.

After selling the Tru Blu, he became a builder on the East End. His construction company continued to thrive until his retirement in the early 2000s.

In his retirement years, Hilbert was very active with the North Sea Lions Club and had the honor of serving as president.

A voracious reader, world-traveler and an awesome cook, his family and friends often looked forward to his home-cooked meals and stories of his travels.

He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; their two sons, James and Brad; and five grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 10, from 4-7 p.m. at Brockett’s Funeral Home in Southampton. A military funeral and committal service will be held at Calverton National Cemetery on Friday, October 11, at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any contributions be made to either the North Sea/Southampton Lions Club or the East End Hospice (eeh.org).