Ralph Oscar Hilmer

Ralph Oscar Hilmer, 91, a long-time resident of Livingston, passed away surrounded by his family, on September 8, 2021, in the same home in which he was raised.

He was born on April 25, 1930, in Newark to Oscar and Christine Hilmer, immigrants to this country who struggled and sacrificed through the Depression’s hardships to keep the American Dream within their only child’s reach. After moving to Livingston in 1939, Ralph attended Central School in Livingston, the Carteret School in West Orange, Rutgers College, and New York University Law School.

After his 1952 graduation from Rutgers, he proudly served in combat in Korea until the July 27, 1953 Armistice. He returned to civilian life and earned his LLB from New York University Law School in 1960. His practice focused on financial institutions and included private, public-sector, and in-house positions. In 1995, Ralph retired, exchanging his classic suit and tie collection for a field coat and Birkenstocks. He devoted his retirement to helping raise his grandchildren, sustaining his many enduring friendships, pursuing his passion for reading, solving innumerable New York Times crossword and Sudoku puzzles, and spoiling many fortunate canine family members.

Ralph was predeceased by his beloved parents, Oscar and Christine, and his eldest daughter, Diane, whom he held close to his heart.

Ralph leaves behind his daughters, Andrea and Tracy; Andrea’s partner, Jason McKown; his grandchildren, Laura and Zachary Bonvini, Claire and David Ramirez, Alex and Steven Schade; Laura’s partner, Eric Staunton; his great-grandson, Cole; and his cherished dachshund, Otto.

Ralph graced all who knew him, especially his family, with his kindness, humor, patience, and wisdom.

A celebration of Ralph’s life will be held on Saturday, October 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum, 165 Hobart Avenue, Summit, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ralph’s memory to The Waves of Health (Waves of Health c/o Dr. Christopher Boni, 101 South Ashby Avenue, Livingston, NJ 07039) or St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, Madison (https://www.sthuberts.org/donate).