Bertram William Hildenbrand, III, age 66, of Jenkintown, PA, died Friday, January 15, 2010, following a courageous 14-month battle with cancer. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Bertram William Hildenbrand and the late Dorothy Mae Wilson Hildenbrand. William was raised in Upper Darby, PA, and graduated from Upper Darby High School in 1961. He earned his B.S. in Music Education from West Chester State University in 1965 and pursued graduate studies in music education at Trenton State College. William was a respected vocal music teacher in the Bristol Township School District from 1965 to 1981. In 1983, he received his Juris Doctorate from Temple Law School, where he also was a member of the esteemed Temple Law Review, and then served as a partner with a prestigious center city law firm from 1983 to 1995. His public service positions between 1965 and 1981 included those of president and vice president of the Bristol Township Education Association and president of the Mideast region of the PA State Education Association. He also served two terms as a Jenkintown Borough Councilmen. But eclipsing all was his true passion for choral music that he expressed over 33 years as Director of Music for Eddington United Presbyterian Church, Scottsville United Methodist Church, and Jenkintown United Methodist Church.

When not working William was often found singing with Choral Society of Montgomery County; collecting stamps as a member of the American Philatelic Society; traveling and enjoying opera with Mary, his wife; going to Phillies games; enjoying family and friends; and being a companion to his dogs, Becky, Archie, Ollie, and Tosca.

William is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Rand; his son, Matthew Edward Hildenbrand (Deborah Ann); his daughter, Jennifer Mae Stevens (John Masao); two grandchildren, Ian Masao Stevens and Andrew Matthew Stevens; and one sister, D. Sandra McCullough. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many, many friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Service at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 21, 2010, at Jenkintown United Methodist Church, Summit Avenue and Walnut Street, Jenkintown, where friends will be received after the service. Burial in Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Loaves and Fishes Food Cupboard at J.U.M.C., 328 Summit Avenue, Jenkintown, PA 19046 or to the Choral Society of Montgomery County, MCCC Foundation, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA, 19422 ( www.mc3.edu/giving/annual-giving/choral.aspx).