Hilary E. Holste

Hilary E. Holste of Pittsburgh, PA (1930 – 2023) passed peacefully in his sleep at 6:10am on Dec 18, 2023.  He had just celebrated his 93rd birthday on November 6. He is survived by his beloved wife Eileen (Stafford) Holste, his son Robert L. Holste and daughter Diane H. Francis (Michael).  Brother-in-law to Patricia (Stafford) Gray (Gerald).  He is the son of the late Hilary L. Holste and Lemoyne (Frye) Holste of Arnold, Pa.  He was preceded in death by his older brothers Corporal Robert L. Holste (20) and Private David Holste (18); both were lost serving during WWII and are buried at the Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. And his beautiful younger sister Barbara (Holste) Barker (Larry).  Hilary always adored his many nieces and nephews.

Hilary was an all-around skilled athlete but particularly exceled in basketball just like his brothers. He played Forward for the winning Arnold School District, and was Center of the Carnegie Institute of Technology (Carnegie Mellon University) Basketball Team, earning Varsity letters. There he received a degree in Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering on June 7, 1952.

He began his career at PPG Industries at 21, working in the resins division. A skilled Chemical Engineer, he received two patents, the first in 1959 and the second in 1977.  He worked his way up to the position of Director of Process Engineering.  His job took him all over the world to just about every continent.  At 6’4” he was often a standout in the countries he visited, but he had an easy going way so that he made friends all over the world. Often coming home with presents he received from the people he worked with, many have kept in touch years later. A travel highlight for him was a flight on the Concorde airplane. Upon retiring from PPG Industries after 46 years, he was a recipient of the distinguished PPG Collegiate Award. 

A dedicated member of the Green Tree and New Kensington Rotary Clubs. He was honored to receive the Paul Harris Fellow Award for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations between peoples of the world.

Hilary was also involved in Western PA politics.  A stalwart of the Republican Party for more than 50 years. He was a party official, candidate, campaign advisor and a fund-raiser. He felt that understanding, compromise and empathy were the path forward.

He was a founding Board Member of the Lincoln Institute for Public Opinion Research in Harrisburg, PA.

An avid golfer in his retirement years, he traveled to many different states to play at courses all over the country. He was like a little boy when talking about seeing the young Tiger Woods play up close at the Masters. “Wow, what a swing!” he said. 

Hilary had a long and rich life that he enjoyed full of family and friends. He will be missed.

Friends and Family welcome on Friday, January 19, 2024 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE. (412-563-2800) 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp 15220, where a service will be held Saturday, 11:00 AM with a reception following.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

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