Timothy Tim James Hilgeman

With earthly sadness and heavenly happiness, the family of Timothy J. Hilgeman announces his passing into eternal life peacefully with his wife, Bernadette, at his side, on Wednesday Oct 22, 2014, after a courageous 10-month battle with cancer at the young age of 51. Tim was born in San Diego, the fifth of eight boys, to John (1933-2006) and Rosa (Cruz) Hilgeman of El Cajon. He was baptized at St. Kieran’s Church, also in El Cajon. Being the son of a Navy man, Tim lived for short periods on the island of Guam and in Alameda, CA. Tim attended Our Lady of Grace Catholic school, followed by Grossmont High School, where he participated in the renowned Red Robe Choir under the direction of Mr. Boucher, was a CIF champion in track and field, and a good friend to many. Tim earned an Associates of Arts in Music degree at Grossmont Community College, a Bachelors Arts degree in Music Education with voice as his instrumental focus, from Point Loma Nazarene University and a California Teaching credential. Tim met and married the love of his life, Bernadette (Cashman) at St. Kieran’s Catholic Church where he was the music director. Together they were blessed with having just celebrated 25 amazing years of marriage this past May. This beautiful marriage was additionally blessed by their six children: Bernadette Rose, Timothy John (TJ), Brendan, Aislin, Evelyn, and Nora. His children were his great source of pride and joy. Tim, being the natural educator, looked forward to teaching each of his children as much as he possibly could each day about life, faith, music, compassion, home repairs, cooking, history, Guamanian and Irish culture, great movies, sports, leadership, good liturgy and the beauty of family. Tim had many amazing gifts, especially with young people, of bringing about inner confidence in their talents and abilities. He used this gift well with all the coaching in soccer, basketball, softball, volleyball, Irish football and even Irish dance for his girls. Tim’s extra special gift of building up those around him will forever be cherished. Tim dedicated over 30 years of service to the Catholic Diocese of San Diego. He was the Director of Liturgical Music for St Gregory the Great Catholic parish in Scripps Ranch for the last 22 years, directing and coordinating four choirs weekly and all special liturgies, sacraments and school masses. (1992-2014) He led the Sunday evening mass at Our Lady of Grace for the last 18 years. Tim also taught music in many schools in the Diocese over the past 28 years, including Stella Maris, School of the Madeleine, St. Kieran’s, Our Lady of Grace, St. Columba, St. Therese, and St. Gregory the Great. He taught choral music and social studies at Helix High School(1993-2005) and Mount Miguel High School (1992-1993). He assisted in vocal coaching for theatrical events for students of both St Augustine and Our Lady of Peace High Schools. He also did the music for many liturgies for numerous other parishes and organizations such as USD Law Students, various graduations from parochial schools to John Paul the Great Catholic University, First Communions, Confirmations, and, of course, the thousands of weddings and funerals throughout the Diocese and wherever his presence was requested, be it inside or outside the continental United States. Tim was a Cursillista (#250), a Knight of Columbus, and involved in Guamanian and Irish cultural events and groups for many years. Tim was an amazing light in this world, who brought the reality of the Holy Spirit to each person that ever had an encounter with him. Tim’s musical abilities could warm the hearts of strangers, touch the souls of all and stir within them a deep love of our Creator. He used his amazing gifts and talents especially in music and teaching to bring many to Christ. Tim’s marriage and family were his biggest source of pride, he loved his family, loved being a father and worked hard at it. As the Irish say, “you’ll never see the likes of him again.” He will be missed but his legacy lives on through his wife and children and the music ministries that he created with great foundation. Tim is survived by his wife and children along with his mother Rosa (Cruz) Hilgeman, brothers Joseph, John (Joan), Paul (Brenda), Michael, Lawrence (Sharon), Matthew and Christopher, along with almost 50 nieces and nephews, more cousins, aunts and uncles. Tim was truly a blessed man and cherished those blessings of his large family and close friends. Reception of the Body and Visitation (viewing) to begin at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday 11/4 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 2766 Navajo Rd., El Cajon, CA , 92020. Rosary will begin at 5:30pm followed by Vigil service at 6:30pm. Funeral Mass: Wed., Nov. 5th at 11 a.m. Main celebrant retired Bishop Robert Brom, at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 11451 Blue Cypress Drive, San Diego, CA, 92131. Interment will be at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery immediately following, 4470 Hilltop Drive, San Diego, CA, 92102. In lieu of flowers please consider support to Tim’s wife and children through www.mylifeline.org/timhilgeman or www.gofundme.com/timhilgeman