Hans-Georg Gilde

Hans-Georg Gilde, age 89, on February 24, 2023, died peacefully, sleeping in his home  and surrounded by family,  with the support of Hospice . He was born July 8. 1933, in Ragnit, East Prussia, Germany to Oskar and Lotte Gilde. In 1947 at the age of 14 he crossed from Greifswald, D.D.R. into W. Germany. In 1950 at age 17 he was able to immigrate to the United States and Hempstead, NY. Despite many hardships, he taught himself English and graduated with honors from Hempstead High School. He went on to attend Albright College (B.S. 1957) and Ohio University (Ph.D. 1961).

From 1961 -1993 he taught at Marietta College. He retired as E.B. Andrews Professor of Chemistry. During those years, he served occasionally as a consultant to several industries, especially to Scott Paper Company, MA.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Helen C. Gilde (Schoener); two daughters: Emily Gilde (James Pletcher) and Ellen Schwendeman (James); four grandchildren: Henry Lawrance (Kelsey), Hayley Joyce (Kevin), Emma Schwendeman, and Abigail Trieschman (Ryan); and two great-grandsons: Samuel and Benjamin Trieschman. Also, two sisters, as well as in-laws, nieces and nephews in Germany. Preceding him in death were his parents (1943), grandparents, two sisters and a brother.

He was a dedicated scholar, a believer in life-long learning, and did post graduate study and research at several notable universities — American, as well English and German. His multiple research results were published in professional journals. He was also widely read in history and the classics and always enjoyed opera and classical music. He and his family traveled often, especially to Germany. As a college professor of advanced chemistry, he was dedicated to his work and his students. He felt his life was greatly enriched by the extensive loyalty and friendship of so many former students, even throughout his retirement.  Neighbors and acquaintances often commented on his chivalrous, Old World gentlemanly habits of tipping his hat.

Upon his request, there will be no viewing or service. Heritage Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with cremation. A celebration of his life at a gathering of family members will occur later.

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