Edward “Ronald” Hildebrand, 62, of Ledyard, passed away Tuesday after a truly heroic battle with lung disease.
Ron was born May 7, 1945 to Thurman and Ethel (Maynard) Hildebrand. He was raised in Ledyard and later joined the U.S. Air Force where he served during the Vietnam War.
After receiving his honorable discharge, he lived in Colorado where he worked as an insurance agent. He later learned the trade of goldsmithing and spent many years mastering this trade and was well-known for his work as a master jeweler.
Returning to Ledyard to be closer to his family, Ron then realized his lifelong dream of building a log cabin for his family. He will be remembered as a dedicated family man who enjoyed spending time with his family and also loved sailing, firearms, fishing, working on cars, and fishing. He was a member of the Ledyard Fire Dept.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Kathy; his daughters Brittany, Heather, and Jodi; son Jeff and his wife Rene’; grandchildren, Haley, Jarett, Riley, Baley, Kiley, and another “on the way”; his brothers, Mark and his wife Marcia, Thurman Arnold, nieces, nephews, aunt Dorothy, uncle Arthur, and his dog “Buddy”. Ron also enjoyed a close relationship with his cousin and friend, Raymond Maynard.
Ron’s family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Wednesday from 6-8pm. His family will gather privately for a service with military honors at Avery-Stoddard Cemetery, Ledyard.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Lung Assoc., 45 Ash St., E. Hartford, CT 06108.
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