[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          HONORING THE REVEREND EDWARD JOSEPH HILDEBRANDT, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 15, 2011

  Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Reverend Edward Joseph Hildebrandt, Jr., and celebrate a life dedicated 
to serving the American people. On the ninth anniversary of his 
passing, I would like to commemorate the selflessness and devotion that 
Reverend Hildebrandt exemplified in every aspect of his work.
  Reverend Hildebrandt was born on June 7, 1940, in Hoboken, New 
Jersey. His family life was difficult, and he grew up protecting and 
providing for his siblings in their broken and often abusive home. He 
eventually enlisted in the Army, serving for 4 years as a military 
policeman, including a tour of duty in Korea where he was stationed at 
the Korean Demilitarized Zone. After leaving the military, Reverend 
Hildebrandt worked as a union leader and postal clerk in the Carlstadt 
and East Rutherford Annex Post Offices. He also worked part-time as a 
house painter and metal foundry worker. Reverend Hildebrandt was never 
idle, providing for his family as well as others in their community. He 
would often invite less fortunate families into his home until they 
were able to get back on their feet.
  Reverend Hildebrandt's strong desire to serve people and improve his 
community led to his becoming a deacon in the Roman Catholic Church in 
the late 1970s. He ministered to parishioners at churches in Little 
Ferry, Garfield, and East Rutherford; however, he would happily 
minister to those in need--people did not have to be a member of his 
congregation to receive his attention. With a growing population of 
Korean immigrants in his community, Reverend Hildebrandt used the 
cultural knowledge he gained during his military service in Korea to 
communicate with and provide aid to many families. He also served his 
community as a Boy Scout leader, Little League coach, and as a member 
of both the Knights of Columbus and the Rosary Altar Society. Reverend 
Hildebrandt was a published poet, part of the Hoboken Historic Society, 
and involved with the National Park Service. He was a founding member 
of New Kid Ministries in Stockholm, New Jersey.
  Despite his deep involvement in many aspects of his community, 
Reverend Hildebrandt's most proud accomplishment was his 39-year 
marriage to his wife Rosemarie Ali Hildebrandt, and the nine children 
they raised together in the Borough of Carlstadt. He was also blessed 
with four grandchildren. Reverend Hildebrandt's passing on February 2, 
2002, was a tremendous loss for both his family and the community which 
he served.
  Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor the life of Reverend Edward 
Joseph Hildebrandt, Jr., and join his family and friends in fondly 
remembering his many years of devoted service to the people of Northern 
New Jersey.

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