Philip J. Hilbert

Philip J. Hilbert, age 78, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 4^th, 2024 at St. Vincent Hospital, surrounded by family.

He was born in Erie on August 19, 1945, a son to the late Otto E. and Mary (Hludzik) Hilbert.

Phil graduated from East High School, class of 1964. He was a member of the Honor Society, achieved 3 years of All City, and was third team All State in football. He attended Gannon University and Penn State University, later achieving a CPIM APICS certification. Phil retired as a Director of Material Planning and Control from Steris after 40 years of employment.

He enjoyed weight training and astrophotography, taking and processing many planetary and deep sky images from his back yard observatory. He also enjoyed 22 rifle bench target shooting at Walnut Creek Rifle Range and working in the sun in his back yard. One of his favorite joys in life was his three rescue cats, Pattie, Rocky, and Buffy, as well as his beloved Shiba Inu dog, Nikki.

In addition to his parents, Phil was preceded in death by two brothers, Edward and Paul Hilbert; and a sister, Rose Carlucci.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Sheila Hilbert; two sons, Philip (PJ) Hilbert II (Lisa Atkins) and Greg Hilbert (Karl Shearer); a stepson, Dr. Kevin Dunlavey (Ann); grandson, Philip (Trey) Hilbert III and a step-granddaughter, Hanna Dunlavey.

Private arrangements have been entrusted to the Burton Quinn-Scott Funeral Home, West Ridge, 3801 West 26^th St., Erie.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Orphan Angels Cat Sanctuary, 5439 W. Lake Rd., Erie, PA 16505 or to the Leukemia Society, Donor Services, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087.