William E. Hiltebeitel | Engineer, 91
William Eshbach Hiltebeitel, 91, of Downingtown, an engineer who helped introduce Godiva chocolates in the United States, died of cancer Saturday, Aug. 7, at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.
William Eshbach Hiltebeitel, 91, of Downingtown, an engineer who helped introduce Godiva chocolates in the United States, died of cancer Saturday, Aug. 7, at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.
A native of Pottstown, Mr. Hiltebeitel graduated from Pennsburg High School and earned a bachelor's degree in engineering from what is now Drexel University.
During World War II, he served in the Army Signal Corps with air offensive units in Europe and the Pacific.
After his discharge, he married May E. Heston and became a supervisor for the Pennsylvania Railroad.
In 1960, he joined Pepperidge Farm in Downingtown. By then the railroad had transferred him more than a dozen times, and he was seeking more stability, said his daughter, Mary Anne Feeley.
Campbell Soup Co. acquired Pepperidge Farm in 1961 and Godiva Chocolatier, a Belgian company, in 1967. Mr. Hiltebeitel became manager of engineering for Godiva and traveled abroad while involved with the establishment of Godiva boutiques in the United States. He retired in 1984.
Mr. Hiltebeitel served on Downingtown's Borough Council and water authority. He was a past president of the Downingtown Area Chamber of Commerce.
He loved attending his children's and grandchildren's athletic events, and was an avid outdoorsman and competitive bowler, his daughter said.
In addition to his wife of 64 years and daughter, Mr. Hiltebeitel is survived by sons Edward, Daniel, and Robert; a brother; and 15 grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at St. James Episcopal Church, 409 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, where Mr. Hiltebeitel had been treasurer, a vestryman, an usher, a lay reader, and a choir member, and had supervised an addition to the church.