Obituary of Donald Eugene Hillner

Don was born on October 3, 1938, to Rose and Eugene Hillner in Irvington, N.J. Raised in the Catholic faith, he attended St. Paul the Apostle School, Seton Hall Preparatory High School and St. Bonaventure University. Following his undergraduate studies, Don entered dental school at St. Louis University. It was there that he met and married his cherished wife of 56 years, Jacqueline Warring. Upon graduation from dental school in 1963, Don joined the United States Navy and was stationed in Adak, Alaska. In 1964, daughter Lisa Marie was born and Kimberly Ann followed in 1965. After achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander, Don left military service in 1966 to continue his career as a civilian. Service to one’s country was of great importance to Don and he continued to serve as a Reserve Officer throughout his adult life. Don decided to specialize in orthodontics and began an apprenticeship with Dr. Solomon Kessler in Irvington, N.J. A third daughter, Pamela Jean, arrived in 1967 and Don and Jackie purchased Don’s childhood home in Irvington from his parents. Their fourth daughter, Jennifer Lynn, was born in 1970. The following years were a busy mix of family and professional life with four young children, a move to Warren, N.J., and a growing orthodontic practice. Don’s work was always about more than straightening teeth. He mentored younger doctors, often took on pro bono cases, and offered dental services to underserved communities in Irvington for decades after he moved his orthodontic practice to Basking Ridge and then to Bernardsville. Don was a natural leader and his professional affiliations and accomplishments included: President - Newark Dental Club President - New Jersey Association of Orthodontists Member - NJAO Executive Council (Peer Review & Ethics) Member - NJ Dental Association Peer Review Council Member - Irvington General Hospital Board of Directors Orthodontic Resident Chair - Newark Beth Israel Hospital Dental Consultant - Irvington Board of Education Founding Member - Central Jersey Orthodontic Study Group Member - American Dental Association, NJ Dental Association, Tri-County Dental Association Member - American Association of Orthodontists, Middle Atlantic Association of Orthodontists, NJ Association of Orthodontists Member - American Dental Fraternity Member - Psi Omega Dental Fraternity On Wednesdays and weekends, Don could be found on the golf course. He made enduring friendships walking the links of Spring Brook Country Club, Hawk Pointe and Olde Cypress. One of his greatest thrills was playing St Andrews with his son-in-law John and grandson Jack. Don’s true passion, however, was his family. He was very close with his sister, Joyce Rigney, and embraced all of his children’s interests with unparalleled exuberance — carefully choosing books for Lisa, dedicating countless hours in support of Kim’s gymnastics, sharing his passion for golf with Pam, and cheering from the sidelines of Jennifer’s field hockey and lacrosse games. He encouraged each of his daughters to celebrate and develop their unique talents and abilities, and was unconditionally supportive to the end. When his daughters married, he embraced their partners, too, treating each of his sons-in-law — Barry, John, Charlie and Todd — as his own. Don retired from orthodontics in 2003, but his curious and industrious nature never waned. He discovered a new interest in painting and sculpting and even launched a small, home-based business designed to aid in clinical cancer research. He and Jackie split their time between New Jersey and Florida and Don was finally able to dedicate boundless hours to his beloved golf game. Don’s favorite time, however, was spent being a cheerleader for his nine grandchildren: Elizabeth, Olivia, Jack, Charlotte, Chase, Teddy, Hattie, Dieder and Phoebe. Don was that rare combination of charm, intelligence and compassion -- a true gentleman. He was fiercely loyal to those he loved. Although he held himself to the highest level of moral and ethical behavior, he willingly looked past the flaws of others to recognize and honor their innate goodness. His life was a gift to all of us who were fortunate to be a part of it. Until we meet again, Don — love you forever, love you for always. Because of the current coronavirus pandemic we are unable to come together to honor and remember Don; however a celebration of Don’s life will be held once restrictions on large gatherings are lifted. In the meantime, we invite you to share a memory or add a photo to his Tribute Wall. If you would like to do more, you may make a donation in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project by going to www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate and clicking on the “Honor & Memorial Donation” button. Thank you for all of your thoughts, prayers and messages.