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A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Wayne Presbyterian Church, Wayne, PA on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please send a contribution to the Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild, 301 S Christopher Columbus Blvd.,Philadelphia, PA 19106 Tribute to Henry Rudolph Bilhuber Henry Rudolph Bilhuber (Hank) passed away peacefully at his home in Media, PA on June 23, 2015 at the age of 87. Hank was the son of Paul Henry Bilhuber and Elsa Louise Rudolph. He was born and raised in Douglaston, Long Island, along with his twin brother Ernest (Ernie), and older brother, Edmund (Ned). He attended Manhasset High School, where he was a member of a national high school fraternity. He graduated Choate School in 1946 (wrestling team) and from Lafayette College in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was President of his Delta Upsilon fraternity chapter and served on the Interfraternity Council, the college newspaper, and remained very active in alumni activities. Hank enlisted in the United States Navy and went to Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island in the 1950’s. He entered naval aviation and briefly served as a pilot on the aircraft carrier “USS Ariskany” before joining a navy seaplane patrol squadron in Trinidad. Their mission was anti-submarine patrol in the Caribbean, guarding against Russian and Cuban threats perceived at that time. He was honorably discharged from the Naval service with the rank of Lieutenant (03). As a Lieutenant, he met and married his beloved wife Gloria, in Trinidad, in 1954. They were married for over 60 years, initially living in Long Island, NY and then in Michigan, before settling down in Rosemont, PA for over 38 years. Five years ago, they moved to Media, PA to simplify their lives. Together, they raised 4 sons: Karl, Jon, Jeffrey and Eric. Hank had a long career with Mobil Oil Company, starting as a coordinator for service stations. He quickly excelled and became the engineering manager for the Eastern region. He was then appointed to a 5-year assignment in Norway as a contracts manager for the construction of 3 huge oil-drilling platforms in the North Sea jointly owned by Norway and the U.S. He had a staff of 75 engineers at that time, and retired in the mid 1980’s after returning to the United States. Hank had many hobbies and passions, many related to his love of boating, which was fostered by his father and shared by his brothers, and subsequently passed down to the next generation. A superb seaman in all kinds of weather, he and his family owned and maintained two beautiful sailing vessels: a schooner “Shan-gri-la” and later, the famous S & S yawl “Palawan”. They embarked on many great adventures cruising the East Coast and the Caribbean, enlisting other good friends to enjoy their experiences. He enthusiastically traveled to New York and Newport to watch the Tall Ships parade or the America’s Cup Races when they were in town, and raced his beloved “Palawan” in the annual Classic Yacht Regatta for a few years with his family and friends. Hank also volunteered his time and energy to help preserve the historic brigantine sailing ship “Gazela” as President and Board Member of the Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild. He sailed on “Gazela” for several cruises to Nova Scotia and the Caribbean. With an exploring and innovative mind, Hank was always up for other types of new adventures, traveling extensively through Europe with his wife and close family members. He was quite artistic, creating many detailed sketches of buildings and bridges he found particularly interesting. He was also very active in sports, enjoying tennis, skiing and golf beyond his seafaring adventures. Hank easily made long lasting friends in both his business and personal life. While highly respected for his many talents, his sincere curiosity about others, coupled with his welcoming positive outlook on life, and his charming nature, Hank touched the hearts of acquaintances as well as family and friends. He never had a bad word for anyone and will be missed by all. Along with his wife, brother, and 4 sons, Hank is survived by his daughter-in-law, Kathy; 6 grandchildren, Mark, Kim, Jessica, Emily, Jennifer and Christoph; 3 great grandchildren, Michael, Nicole and Matthew, and other cherished relatives from near and afar.

Tributes

Hank Bilhuber

March 28, 1928 - June 23, 2015