Harold I Hiller's Obituary
HAROLD I. HILLER
Harold Hiller of Boca Raton, Florida, passed away on December 19, 2019. He was 85 years old. He is survived by his devoted wife, Jae Dean (Dering) Hiller; his children, Linda Clark (and Joey Greenwald), and Michael Hiller (and Lori Hiller); his grandchildren Jason and Jade Clark and Emerson and Samuel Hiller; his brother B. Robert (Bob) Hiller; and his nieces and nephews (and grandnieces and nephews) to whom he was known affectionately as “Unc.”
Harold was born in New York and raised in Long Beach. A natural athlete, Harold excelled at baseball and football, and was a dedicated student. He attended Union College (along with his brother Bob), where he studied liberal arts. Thereafter, he joined his brother and his father at Hiller Bros. & Hiller, a coat manufacturing business in New York City. Eventually, Harold and Bob took over the business from their father, and ran it for another 30 years. In that connection, Harold served as the Commercial Co-op President for the building in which his business was located. That Harold was selected for a position of leadership became a common thread throughout his life. Though relatively quiet by nature, Harold, by reason of his intelligence, dedication and uncompromising integrity, was often sought out to assume positions of leadership in every organization with which he was associated.
Harold and Jae relocated to Florida in the late 1990s after their mutual retirements. Harold was elected President of their community association at Winston Trails and continued his tenure for approximately 10 years, including one re-election when he was unanimously selected despite being hospitalized at the time. He oversaw tens of millions in capital improvements, and was instrumental in rebuilding the community following the damage caused by Hurricane Wilma. A hands-on manager, Harold often did the physical labor himself – work he genuinely enjoyed. Harold was a man who loved to fix things and solve problems. He also founded a volunteer security force for the community, and was decorated by Palm Beach County Police Force for his service. Earlier in his life, Harold had also served honorably in the military (army) and was honorably discharged in 1963.
When Harold and Jae relocated to Boca Woods in Boca Raton, he was immediately sought out to serve on the board of directors for the community association. He served as a board member for two years, focusing his work on capital improvements and repairs.
Harold was beloved by all who knew him. He was scrupulously honest, direct, and warm, but most of all, Harold was loving and caring, and had a special place in his heart for his children (Linda and Michael) and grandchildren (Jason, Jade, Emerson and Sam), with whom he spoken often. If it had been possible, he would have spent every day with them.
Harold wanted to make the world a better place for those around him. On any given day, Harold could be found installing or repairing an appliance for a relative or a friend or even for a complete stranger; helping someone find a lost ball on the golf course; or assisting someone with a tax or business problem. Whatever the issue, Harold made himself available to help. And when he wasn’t helping others, Harold was by his wife’s side, playing golf, watching football on Sundays – he was a long-suffering New York Giants fan – or just spending time on the couch with their devoted rescue dog, Ziggy.
Harold will be missed by his family and friends. He was a truly wonderful man.
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