When I received the news about Andy, I was shocked.  To be honest, I am still in some degree of denial at this point.  
 
I could and I will tell hundreds of stories about Andy.  Right now, I will stick with one story that speaks to three of Andy’s attributes that have changed my life.  His Joie De Vivre, Passion, and his ability to have a lasting impact on all that he knew.  

Many years ago, Andy came to visit me in Toledo with Ethan. They had been on a cross country trip and took a quick pit stop in Toledo on their way home from Montana.  As you can imagine, they rolled up looking and smelling a little road worn.  I think my mom and dad were a bit shocked - they looked out of place in Toledo with their Rasta hats on for sure.   After a hello and an infectious Hildebrand smile, Andy and Ethan presented two beautiful trout from their fishing trip in Montana.  As you can imagine, my mom and dad loved Andy from that day forward.   After we grilled the fish, Andy rode his surfboard behind my dad’s Bayliner in the muddy Maumee river -  this was the first and last time anyone surfed in the Maumee river.  

I was a swim coach that summer and I took Andy to practice with me.  He became friends with one of the girls on the team that day, and I will never forget her telling me how lucky I was to have a friend like Andy.  It is rare to have a friend like Andy, and I never took that for granted.  Honestly, he is one of a couple of people that I have met in my lifetime that I could totally be myself with.  I could tell Andy anything and he would never judge me.  He might say “c’mon biscuit”, or give me a word of encouragement, but he loved me for who I am and I loved Andy for who he was.  Andy was that way with his friends, and with anyone he would meet – He was never judgmental. 
 
Andy was the glue for a lot of people.  He was the one that kept in contact with everyone.  He was the person who went out of his way to call you  and let you know what he was up to, and more importantly, he would check in to make sure all was well.  Andy always had great adventures to talk about.  Not the usual calls I get  – he was snowboarding in some exotic location, he received his pilot’s license and was flying home from Hilton head, he was catching a wrap with Steven Tyler, he was going to run in a marathon, or taking his kids to protest the tax and spenders in DC  – things most of us think about doing, but never actually follow through to make it happen.   Andy did not do things half way - it was all the way or not at all for Andy.  
 
Andy loved to meet new people.  My friends in Toledo were lucky enough to meet, huckleberry, as we affectionately referred to Andy.  Although he came to Toledo over 15 years ago, they still ask how Huckleberry is doing.  Andy left a lasting impression on everyone he met.  He was not someone that would sit in the background – he was front and center and put his whole heart and soul in every encounter he had with others.  Andy has friends in all walks of life.   Andy did not discriminate – he took people for who they were.  I never heard Andy say a bad word about another person.  Andy had a heart of gold.
 
Most of all, Andy loved his wife Chris and his children.  I never had a conversation with Andy where he did not tell me how much he loved his kids -  how smart Lincoln was, or how Andrew was selling art in the park, or how much the love and support of Chris meant to him. 
 
I will miss Andy, his smile and his blue eyes.  Chris, you can see today the support and love that you have, and please know that 6 months, 1 year, 10 years and beyond, our love for you and your family will be the same as it is today.  I ask that you reach out to us if we can help in anyway, and I promise you that I will stay connected with you just like Andy stayed connected with me.  I have known you for nearly 30 years, and know your faith, friends, family and your strength and positive attitude will guide you through this difficult time.
 
Andy, I love you and you will always have a special place in my heart.  My prayers, and prayers of friends and family will be with Chris and the Hildebrand and Lincoln family in this difficult time.  Andy, Rest in peace.

May you rest in peace - the late night party is still on - and you are invited!
--Stu

Dear Chris,
So many memories come flooding in everytime I think of Andy. Each one has him laughing and smiling. I was always amazed by his gregarious nature and how many people knew  him.  You all mean so much to our family. It was a joy to a neighbor to your family. You are in our thoughts. The Hall Family
John, Christa, Frank and Nancy Hall

Andy never knew a stranger, and I can tell you his mega-watt smile lit up a room! Did he not have this amazing way of making you feel like you've known him forever?

Our deepest sympathies to all the Hildebrand family. We grieve with you for your loss.

Dear Hildebrand family, as Spencer said, may the God of all comfort continue to comfort you -- this day, this week and always.

I am shocked and deepley saddened by Andy's death.  Having known him for just a few years he was one of a kind. Always with a kind word and a helping hand.  He will be missed. My prayers go out to his wife and children.

Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Andy's family at home and his family at Blaydes. We have always enjoyed Andy's mild manner and smile throughout the years......Our prayers are with you,
Steve and Kathy Harrell
District Locksmiths

The other Huck........ You loved each and every one of us in your own special way! You are a true Prince in my book! And I love you my brother always and forever.. May we all rejoice on earth for your presence in our lives. I feel so blessed to have grown up with you dude! You taught me how to sail the seven seas! Much love "HUCK!"

Huck,
  You will be remembered and misseed by many.  What good times we had at Mt. Vernon and the trips to OC.  I wish we had stayed closer over the years but the distance has taken its toll.  May God bless your family and keep them safe.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Andy's family and friends.  I knew Andy growing up on Great Neck Court..I used to babysit Andy when he was a toddler and would watch Andy and Stacy Askin run across our back yard full of life, laughing and carefree.  That is how I remember Andy.  Great Neck Court certainly had its tragedies hitting so many families and God called many of the young children back home as his angels.  The Hildebrands now have three special angels watching over from heaven.  God bless Andy's family, friends and those who were blessed to have passed through his life.

I'm just devestated. Living and partying in the honeycombs at USC. My boy. The world is less happy without Andy on this earth.

I was sad to here of the passing of Andy.  My thoughts and prayers are with you ...his family.  I have the pleasure of knowing Andy for several years as his Banker.  Andy always had a smile and a kind word for all who came in contact with him.  I will miss seeing him as he came to my office several times a week. God Bless each and everyone of you...

To Family and Friends of Andy, The Fisher family sends out warm and thoughtful prayers for you in your time of need.  Andy and I met in 7th grade and throughout the years of middle and highschool remained good friends it saddens me that we did not stay in touch after Highschool and now time is lost forever.  keep the faith and remember the good times.

Stephen and Julie (Cash) Fisher

The world as I have known it will never be the same because a very special and inportmant part of it has been called to God. Andy we will meet again, I want to thank you all the good times and great memories. Love you Huck!!!! To all of Andy's friends and family my prayers and thoughts are with you. Go COCKs!!!!!

My heart feels heavy with pain. We've known each other since Kindergarten! We played on the playground, rode the bus together & shared classes. I don't remember w/o a smile on your face. I enjoyed the last time we talked. It was delightful to watch your kids play at the MVHS 25th reunion. Blessings to you my friend & your family!!!

~Deana Cajigas-Miller, ATL, GA

Chris, Andrew, Lincoln, Julie and Edward it saddens me deeply to hear of Andy's passing. Even though we have only  known you all for a very short period of time we felt as though we had known each of you for a lifetime. That is the type of person Andy is and a way that I hope Andrew and Lincoln carry with them through their lives. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him which is the greatest testimate to his way of life. May God Bless you and give you comfort in these difficult times.

Andy will truly be missed. He was always helpful and delightful to talk to. The Crest Lock staff has truly appreciated his help over the years. Our blessings go out to his family and the staff of Blaydes. 
With much sympathy - Crest Lock Co.

Andy will be truly missed.  He was always so warm, personable, and a bright spot in our day. Extending our deepest sympathy from all of us at Cintron Safe and Lock.

Dear Chris,Andrew,Lincoln and the Hildebrand Family, Our deepest sympathy are with you all, Andy was a special man.
We will all miss his smiling face when we come home to OCMD. The Deutsch Fsmily (Ocala,Fl)

I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge -- myth is more potent than history -- dreams are more powerful than facts -- hope always triumphs over experience -- laughter is the cure for grief -- love is stronger than death.  Hold that love in your hearts forever.

My deepest sympathies go to the Hildebrand family and to those who worked alongside Andy at Blaydes.  I was shocked and saddened at the hearing of Andy's passing.  I will always remember his positive attitude. I can't ever remember him being in a bad mood.  May God bless you all during this difficult time.

I've Known Andy For As Long As I Can Remember He Was Our Beach Neighbor In Ocean City!! He Always Made Sure We Had A Goodtime At The Beach Taking Us Out On His Boats And On The Jetski's The Beach Will Never Be The Same But I Know In My Heart That He's Sitting With My Grandfather Carrying On A Conversation Like They Never Left Each Other He Loved My Grandfather As Much As I Did!! RIP Andy My Thoughts And Prayers Are With You, Chris, Lincoln & Andrew!!

Mr. H, Chris, Julie and Tom......Macky and I were saddend to learn of Andy's passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. We will remember fondly how our friendship began at Tio Gringo's. Thinking of you all. Fondly, Pam and Macky Stansell

Dear Hildebrand family,

The outpouring of love in the tributes posted here from around the country, at his funeral and I'm sure in many other places are a good reminder to us all that life is short, and we should live it to the fullest just like Andy did. If we can claim half as many friends as he could, we should consider ourselves lucky.
Our prayers are with you all,
with love from the O'Farrell family
Christy, Jim, Kailey and Lauren

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

My sincere and deepest condolences to the Hildebrand family. I always had felt Andy was sincere and caring and one of the coolest guys. My heart aches and I'm in disbelief and shock.  He shared Halloween birthdays with my Dad and they had similar fun personalities both loved the Rolling Stones!  I can at least say he has  some good company. My prayers are with your family. Andy you will be very missed and never forgotten.

It's been many years since I've hung out and surfed with Andy. My prayers go out to the Hildebrand's. Craig Hawley

To Andy's family,

My husband Clint and I have known Andy since the 80's when he used to live in Ocean City for the summers. My husband used to hang out with Andy at the 33rd Street sailboat rental place and has many fond memories of him. I remember Andy used to come to dinner frequently at the Embers where we worked and was always polite and always had a smile on his face. Although we didn't see Andy that often through the years, we did see him with his family this past summer at de Lazy Lizard in Ocean City. I am so glad that we did and never imagined that it would be the last time we would ever see him.
We will always remember his smile and his love of life. We are both so sorry for your loss of a truly wonderful man.

Julie,
I know your heart is heavy.  I am so sorry for you and Andy's family.   I was sorry to ready that your mother is no longer living.  Andy was so well loved by all of his friends and family, I no how hard it will be to get through this time and hope you have happier days ahead.  I would love to get together sometime.  I am still on Old Orchard Rd.  Love, Bonnie O'Neale Davis.

Dear Hildebrand family, How to comprehend a beautiful life lost so early?  Although I didn't get to know Andy well the rest of the Kerlin family knew him growing up in Mt Vernon. Fred thought so highly of Andy!  It could have been because they enjoyed the same birthday and had so many similar attributes. I lost Fred on March 11th 2009 and feel your deep pain and grief. Know that he may not be here in physical form but believe me he is with you. If I can be of help in anyway, please don't hesitate to contact me. You all are in my prayers. God Bless & Comfort Now and Forever.

With deepest sympathy to the Hildebrand family. My prayers are with you. Andy may be gone but will never be forgotten.

May God bless and continue to be with your family and friends at this time.

As an employee of Fedlock, I had the pleasure of working with Andy over the phone (and sometimes in person) for the last couple years.  I will miss our work (and particularly) non-work related conversations.  My deepest sympathies to Andy's family and his Blaydes family.  He will be missed

Dear All - we were so very sorry to hear about Andy. I have fond memories of babysitting him and of the entire family. We miss you all. Love, Kim Hughes and family.

To the Hildebrand family:

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
(An Irish Blessing)

My deepest condolences on the loss of Andy.  He was a good friend and will be missed sorely.

We will miss you Andy.  The beach house in OC just won"t be the same.  We will never forget you.  Thank you for all of the memories. 
Chris, Andrew & Lincoln--our thoughts and prayers are with you and your  family.  
The Deutsch's--Dolores, Jim, Debbie & Dakota

Dear Andy,
You lived life to the fullest. And always with a smile. You made everyone feel important.
I'm still in shock to hear of your passing.
My prayers and deepest sympathy to your family, friends and coworkers.

Debbie Karcher,
formerly of R.J. Lock. O.C., MD

Mr. Hildebrand, Chris, Julie and family,

My deepest condolences to you all for this unbelievable loss.  I met Andy when my family moved to Mount Veron in 1983.  I will always remember him for his warm and genuine friendliness and of course fot that huge smile!  He had such a zest for life and had a way of making everyone around him feel special.  After seeing pictures of Andy at our latest class reunion in August, I remember thinking that he was one of the few who looked "exactly" the same...Please know that God has a plan for him that is greater than we can imagine...Hold on to the wonderful memories that you have and find strength in the support given by all of those who loved Andy!

God bless you Mr. Hildebrand, Chris, Andrew and Lincoln...

Dear Chris, Andrew and Lincoln,

You are all in our thoughts, as are the many memories we have of Andy, who will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.  Sending prayers and sympathy.

Ralf, Margie, Paul and Mara Perscheid

Chris, Lincoln and Andrew
Our prayers go out to you. I have worked with Andy for many years and will truly miss him both at work and at the Association meetings. He is a true Gentleman and a friend.

Our deepest sympathy to the Hildebrand family!  Andy, thank you for all the boat rides and Jet skiing adventures!

Dear Mr. Hildebrand and Family- I am so sorry to hear about the early and unexpected end to Andy's life.  Although I haven't seen Andy recently, I have many fond memories of him and your family.  The Hildebrand family had such a beautiful way of celebrating life and it will leave a permanent impression on me.  Andy had that rare ability to make all of those around him feel that they were special to him and appreciated by him.  God bless you Andy and the family you left behind-for now you will be able to look over them and someday we will all meet again.  Love, Charise

Dear Mr. Hildebrand and Family- I am so sorry for the early end to Andy's life.  Although I am now in Florida and don't see you all much, I have many fond memories of how special Andy was to everyone.  Andy had that great ability to make everyone feel that they were special to him and appreciated by him.  God bless his wife Chris, and their two beautiful children.  You now have an angel watching over you from heaven!  Love, Charise Henderson Szwed

Chris, Lincoln, Andrew, Mr. Hildebrand, Julie, Tom our deepest sympathies go out to the family.I have known Andy for almost half his life as an employee of Blaydes Lock & Security.From a kid with the broken bones to the man and father he had become. Through the good and the bad, the smiles and the laughter,and the day he married Chris. Andy will be missed. Love to all of you, 
Debbie, Tom & Mike Moody

 I enjoyed reconnecting with Andy on Facebook the past few years. We always saw eye-to-eye when discussing politics. Regretfully we were unable to meet up at a Carolina Football last fall. I will keep his memory in my thoughts and prayers.

To the Hildebrand Family,  My deepest sympathy for your loss of such  a nice young man.  He was friends with my daughter in high school and I was your neighbor at MV.  I wish you all peace and acceptance.  Sincerely Carol Henderson

Dear Chris, Andrew, Lincoln, Edward, Julie and the entire Hildebrand Family,
The Dyer Family is very saddened by Andy's departure!  His zest for life and friendliness brought smiles to so many.  Bayshore Drive in Ocean City will not be the same.  Our family knew Andy since he was a little boy.  Just this past August, we were sharing a freshly caught fish together and our little boys were just getting acquainted.  Hold on tightly to each other as you grieve.  Although we don't always understand God's timing or reasons, we should believe that He has an ultimate plan for all of us.  May the prayers and thoughts expressed by those that love you bring you some comfort and strength today. With our deepest sympathy....

Chris, Lincoln & Andrew  - I'm thinking of you and so sorry for your loss.  You are in my prayers !  Love, Jenifer

Chris, Lincoln and Andrew,
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family.  Andy, you will be missed forever but never forgotten.   
Village Hardware

Chris:Please know you have many prayers from many people coming to you and your family from all over this land. My brother Steve and myself Kevin were good friends with Andy and his parents when he and his folks lived here in OC in the summer.We knew Andy from the 33rd steet sailboat and jet ski rental in OC back in 1978 or so.We watched him grow up and turn into a man and have a family.Andy left us way too soon,but I know he will rest in peace. May God bless you and your family.

The Hildebrand Family,
We are so sorry for the sudden loss of Andy.  His life was cut way too short but his love for his family and life were obvious to all who had the good fortune of knowing him.  Andy will truly be missed in Game Cock Country, Hilton Head Island and Ocean City.  Follow Andy's example, and live life to the fullest because you never know when you will be called away.  Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this very difficult time.  GO COCKS!  
Love,
Janet, Larry, Tyler, Corey, Brendan and Lauren Gray

This news is stunning to us at FedLock.  Andy was always a positive, generous & helpful person to Pete & I as we built a business over the past 22 years.  Although Andy was Team Blaydes, it always felt like he was on our team, too, because he was a good soul.  This is a hard loss to handle for anyone who knew Andy.  We send our sympathies & our deepest condolences to the family.  Andy was a wonderful human being -- we will miss him; we will miss him very much.
From all of us at FedLock...

To the Hildebrand family

We wish to extend our sincere sympathy. Andy will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. 

Richard, Joan, Marcelo, Gary and Rodney 

Upco Lock Co.

Linda and I were suprised and saddened by the passing of Andy.  We will miss his inviting smile and his zest for life.  Andy will be missed by anyone that crossed his path--he was a warm and thoughtful person and loved his friends and family.  Our thoughts go out to his entire family. Sincerely, Linda & Jack Burton

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

We will miss Andy, a "really nice man", and extend our deepest sympathy. To the Hildebrand Family..You are wished whatever comforts you; You are wished whatever brings peace to your hearts.

Dear Hildebrand Family,

I knew Andy from the Old Town Sports and Health Club as well as the Old Dominion Boat Club.  He was a fine man who always spoke so highly of his wife and children.  He always had a great attitude and a smile for everyone.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Miles Holtzman
President, Old Dominion Boat Club

Jack: I am so saddened by the passing of Andy. My love and sympathy to you all. Rick’s and my friendship with you, Shirley and your family goes back to the days when Andy was a youngster. I have so many wonderful memories and will miss those times.

Julie: I believe, Rick is keeping a loving eye out for not only me, but also her dear friend and partner.

Chris: May God grant his strength, comfort and love for you and your children.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  We are so sorry for your terrible loss. Elizabeth Winger, Ben, Alexander and Nicholas Echeverri

The Customer Service staff of Kaba Ilco is saddened by this tragic loss. Andy was well thought of and will long be remembered as a really nice man. 
To the Hildebrand family you are wished whatever comforts you; You are wished whatever brings peace to your hearts.

For Jack, Julie Tom and the family, we send our sincere condolences for the loss of Andy. He will be truly missed and always in our Hearts.

Bonnie Cruze and Family

Chris, my heart goes out to you and your children.  Your husband, their father always had a smile and nice words for everyone.  He will be missed.  All our prayers are with you.

Andy shared his happiness and spirit with so many. Our lives are a little darker with Andy's passing.Andy will be missed terribly
Our thoughts and prayers are with his children and family 
Sincerely
The Jurgensen Family

Andy, You always had the answers to our locksmithing questions. You will be greatly missed. Please accept our Sincerest  Sympathy.
The crew at Able Locksmiths, Chester, Barb, Shon, Chris and David.

To Mr. H, Chris, Andrew, Lincoln, Julie & Tom, Having known Andy since he was a young boy growing up here at the beach, seeing him through the years, and now watching him share the same with his children was a real treat. Bayshore Drive will never be the same. You could always tell on the weekends also when the blur up and down the bay was you know who.

With Deepest Sympathy,
Buddy Dykes

with deepest sympathy to the hildebrand family.

I remember the first time I met Andy, good old OC. I never knew I could jet ski :-).  He welcomed me into his life when I was feeling alone, a friendship started and years of wonderful memories followed.   I will always cherish the positive force his friendship brought to my life.  My heart aches.  Even recently, after many years had passed of living our own lives, Andy reached out and supported me once again.  He will never know how much this changed my life and I will never forget.   Thank you my friend.  I will see you again one day.
My heart and prayers go out to the Hildebrand Family. Please know that I am here for you.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hildebrand family and to Blaydes employees.  Andy will be missed, but will remain in our thoughts and hearts.
The Frydrych Family and B&D Lock Co. Roanoke, VA

Hey Chris, Julie, Tom and the Hildebrand family.  Words can't express the horrific shock when I heard Tom say to me, Andy had pass on October 10, 2010. Tom and Andy hired me as their Senior Accountant in the Finance department a little over two years ago and this is how I got to know Andy. Andy wasn't just one of my bosses, and college, but he was a true friend to each of us. His presence, temperment, smile, "what's up"- as he use to say- and kind words of encouragement always illuminated the atmosphere at Blaydes Lock and Security.  I thank God for allowing me the opportunity to know Andy, to have worked for him and with him.  Like all others, he will be missed enormously and never forgotten....
God Bless..
Mary Davisson

Remembering with you...
...the life of someone so dear.

With Sincerest Sympathy

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever. I will miss you and never forget you. We have hung out at the beach since 1984 and in just the last 3 years made it a year round friendship. We'll never forget those holloweens in West Virgina with the all the kids the candy and those campfires you made. You touched the hearts of everyone of my children and i thank you and will miss you dearly.

Oh Andy...we miss you on so many levels.  We will always remember your smile and will keep you close in our hearts.  Thank you for the friendship you gave to Gabe.  He will never forget the memories.  May you watch over us as you always have....and we will do the same for your family.  Rest well, Andy.  

All my love,

Andrew, there are no words to describe the sense of loss my heart and soul feel this very moment.  In life we have many friends, but in my life I only have a few friends I love and cherish like a brother...you are a brother to me.  I will always remember our time together and friendship with happiness and joy.  You gave me a friendship I will never replace.  Thank you for your friendship Andy, you'll never be forgotten...never.  Until we play again...Gabe

All my love, sincerest thoughts and prayers to the Hildebrand Family.

The 33rd St.Sailboats,the Pub,all watersports,the Christmas parties, visiting my beachstand with his kids, his great smile, and of course his wonderful spirit are only a few of the good memories I have of Andy. He will be missed by his O.C. friends. My thoughts and prayers are with the Hildebrand family.   Bill and Denise Baker

Huck, I have known you since 7th grade and we share some great memories!  I will remember you through those when I need to smile!  I will miss you my friend.  Prayers to your family!

Mr. Hildebrand, Chris and children and Julie,
I can't tell you the deep sadness our hearts are feeling about this sad news.  You know how much we loved and adored Andrew Prince and his family.  We are thinking of you all and praying for peace to each and every one of you.  We love you all.  Jerry and Vicki

OBITUARY

Andrew Prince Hildebrand

Demaine Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services