David M. Hileman

David M. Hileman, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA passed away on July 26, 2021. He was 91 years old.

David lived with his beloved partner, Sally Donnelly in Ligonier, PA for the past 30 years. He was the father of four children, Barbara Duvall, Katherine Hileman, Margaret Hileman, and William Hileman, father-in-law of Roylee Duvall, and grandfather of Katherine's two children, Andrew and Megan Marrangoni, and Barbara and Roylee's daughter, Emma Duvall.

David was born on January 23, 1930 in Chagrin Falls, OH. He played football for the town’s high school. He earned his undergraduate degree from Wooster College in Ohio. David was accepted into the University of Chicago Philosophy Department’s Ph.D. program. His favorite philosopher was Immanuel Kant. Relying on reason, he later switched and earned an MBA from the university to better support his family.

David and his family moved from Chicago to Pittsburgh in 1963. Although he grew up near Cleveland, he gave up the Browns and became a Steelers fan for his son, Billy. He had a passionate love for opera. His favorites were Boito’s Mefistolfele and Wagner’s The Ring Cycle. He regularly performed as a supernumerary in the Pittsburgh Opera. For many years he and Sally attended the performances at Heinz Hall and the Benedum. 

He knew the names of the stars and the constellations in the night’s sky.

He lived a sober life, one day at a time, after joining Alcoholics Anonymous in 1971 and later was a member of the Cook Forest Conference Committee. 

More than anything, he loved his children and grandchildren. Regularly he would host family gatherings at his and Sally’s home in Ligonier.

David was a combination of stature and gentleness, humor and love. He will be remembered for the humility he demonstrated at both his darkest hour and on his brightest day. Nothing will be missed more by his family than his extreme kindness, impish grin, or the joy he gave to everyone around him. His family is heartbroken.

In the memory of David M. Hileman, donations may be made to The Pittsburgh Opera. https://www.pittsburghopera.org/support/ways-to-give