Richard Eugene Hilty, Jr., 72, of Norfolk, Virginia passed away on March 31, 2025 after a prolonged illness.

Born in Portsmouth, VA, he was the son of the late Richard E. Hilty, Sr. and Winnie Virginia Robertson.  He demonstrated early on a deep love of and talent for music, especially the violin and piano.  He graduated in 1974 with a degree in Music Education from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, where he was a proud member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity.  Richard spent his career with Norfolk Public Schools as a strings teacher and orchestra director, primarily at Rosemont Middle School.  He was a passionate and gifted educator and cared deeply for his students and their success.  One of his greatest achievements was creating and organizing the NPS Big Apple Orchestra, which continues to this day, giving middle school orchestra students an opportunity to visit and perform in New York City.  Richard also fondly remembered his time performing with the Virginia Symphony, but perhaps enjoyed recounting his youthful days in college playing the accordion in the German band at Kings Island even more.

One of his favorite hobbies was chess, and he participated successfully in multiple tournaments throughout the years.  He enjoyed collecting vintage matchbook covers, coins,  and sports cards.  He also especially loved gambling at the casino and was excited to have one nearby.  He had a deep love for animals, and his favorite place to be was curled up on the couch with his rescue dogs, Treble and Clef.  Most importantly, however, Richard was a proud and devoted father and GrandPopPop of 7.  His family was his top priority, and there was nothing he wouldn’t do to help his loved ones.

Richard is preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Judith.  He is survived by his daughters Jennifer Tellis (son-in-law Sunil) and Amy Hilty (son-in-law Ben Levinstein); his grandchildren, Madeline Tellis, Katharine Tellis, Gabriella Tellis, John Paul Tellis, Anthony Tellis, Eleanor Levinstein, and Emily Levinstein; sister Patricia Harless.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Kidney Fund or the Norfolk SPCA.