Hilda Stanger Klyde

Born in Peter Stuyvesant Hospital in Manhattan, Hilda at an early age aspired to read every book in the children's section of the local public library (especially fairy books); she got as far as the letter "C." Hilda was a graduate of Hunter College High School (scoring the second highest grade of all applicants on the highly competitive entrance exam), Hunter College, and pursued post-graduate work at New York University. A stint at Amos Parrish and other advertising agencies followed, where she worked her way up from paste-up girl to Art Director - a “Mad Woman” in the Mad Men era! As Art Director of Macy*s, perhaps her most recognizable work is the design she created for the annual Fourth of July Fireworks display, which the company used unchanged for several years.

After her children attained school-age, Hilda became a teacher. She inspired students for twenty-five years, initially at elementary and junior high schools, and later at Washington Irving High School and the High School of Art and Design, where scores of her students won awards, attended renowned art colleges and became outstanding artists in their professions. She also taught commercial and advertising art at the Rhode Island School of Design. After retiring in 1990, Hilda became president of the venerable Association of Retired Teachers of the City of New York and taught herself to play bridge, becoming an accomplished player who earned numerous Master Points.

Hilda was the sister of Dr. Henry S. Stanger, an optometrist and partner in the venerable firm of Courmettes & Gaul in Rockefeller Center for many decades. She was the adored daughter of Adolph Stanger, a professional musician (trumpet, first chair) who accompanied silent films and countless Second Avenue Theater productions, played with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra and the NBC Symphony Orchestra under Arturo Toscanini. Her exceptional mother was the former Sophie Fleigelman, who instilled in her beloved “Hugya” a lifelong love of books and education, and an outstanding work ethic.

Hilda was married for twenty-two years to the love of her life, Judge Charles J. Klyde (Lt. Col., U.S. Army, Ret.). Surviving are her three children, Barry J. Klyde, M.D., Andrew J. Klyde, Esq., and Catherine Klyde (Ret. Officer, NYPD), grandchildren Jeremy, Alexander, Carley and Jessica, daughter-in-law Lynne Goodwin Klyde and son-in-law David Leibowitz, great-grandchildren James and Shepard, plus loving nieces and nephews and their children.

Hilda’s greatest legacies are her family and her students, who loved and admired her, and will forever miss her inspiration, wisdom, wit and compassion. Hilda was a firm believer in the value of an education, and a compassionate animal lover (as exemplified by the longevity of her record-setting 64-year-old pet river cooter turtle, who resides at her home) and donations in her name may be made to the animal charity or pedagogical institution of your choice.

A funeral service for Hilda will be held Friday, August 27, 2021 at 11:30 AM at Schwartz Brothers-Jeffer Memorial Chapels, 114-03 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375.

Shiva will be held:

Sunday, August 29 - Thursday, September 2, 2021

at the home of David & Catherine Klyde Leibowitz

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sbjmemorialchapel.com for the Klyde family.