George Hildebrand, Sr.

George Hildebrand, Sr., age 82, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Born on April 13, 1943, in Jesse, West Virginia, to Earl and Gladys (Stewart) Hildebrand, he moved with his family at an early age to New Castle, Pennsylvania, where he spent his formative years and formed many of the memories he cherished throughout his life.

George later relocated to Florida, where he built a distinguished career in the automotive industry with the Pennzoil group. For more than 35 years, he devoted himself to sales and to delivering exceptional automotive products. He truly loved his work, and his dedication and enthusiasm were evident to everyone around him.

Beyond his profession, George held a deep and lifelong passion for building hot rods and custom performance vehicles. Known for his exceptional skill, creativity, and pursuit of perfection, his craftsmanship earned admiration from friends, fellow enthusiasts, and automotive fans across the country and around the world. One of his custom builds set an N.H.R.A. record that stood for several years, an achievement in which he took great pride. He often joked that his success began with what he believed were the finest automobiles ever made: Fords.

After retiring, George returned to New Castle, Pennsylvania, the place he always considered home. As his health declined, he moved to south Georgia to be closer to his family. He is remembered for his passion for life, family, and automobiles. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Karen Hildebrand, and his sister Victoria Verzilli.

He is survived by his three children, George Hildebrand, Jr., Jodi J. (Darryl) Smith, and Heidi L. Tatum; nine grandchildren, Steve (Leigh) Odom, Jake Odom, George L. (Heather) Hildebrand, III, Ciara C. Odom, Kyle P. (Ayneslie) Hildebrand, Katelyn M. (Jimmy) Beecher, Tyler J. Smith, Kristen G. (Chris) Burnside, and Jennifer Bangert; fifteen great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.