Obituary of Helmut Brill

Helmut Herman Brill age 80, a 33-year resident of Hyde Park died on June 3rd, 2011 of complications from mesothelioma, a rare type of lung cancer. Born on December 11, 1930 in Bremen Germany, Herman was the son of the late Herman and Hermine Brill. After completing a 4 year apprentice program in tool and die making at Borgward AG in Bremen, he immigrated to the Untitled States in January 1950 at the age of nineteen. Soon after his arrival, he joined the United States Marine Corps during the Korean conflict. On October 22, 1955 he married Gertrude M. Ell, who survives at home. After attending Newark College of Engineering, Herman was hired IBM in 1957 where he began as a Customer Engineer and retired in 1990 from IBM as a Development Engineering. Herman was a man of many interests. He was an avid sailor, photographer, writer and most recently an author. He was a member of the Hudson Valley Writers Association, the Wild Plum Creative Writing Group, the CIM Group, Germania of Poughkeepsie Society and the Steuben Society of America. For over 17 years Herman was the producer and radio personality of the German Hour on WHVW. From 1975 until 1990 he managed his wedding photography business. After retirement, Herman owned and operated Valley Camera Repair for 10 years. He also enjoyed ballroom dancing, camping and trips to Germany. Herman was a devoted husband, father and grandfather but most of all he was a man of peace. In addition to his wife Gertrude, Herman is survived by his son Andrew and his wife Eva of Poughkeepsie, his son Frederick and his wife Terri of Red Hook, his son Christopher of Chula Vista, CA, his son Karl and his companion, Kellyann Esposito of Hyde Park as well as his grandchildren, Erick Brill of Red Hook, Angela McKay and her husband Tom of Morrisville, NC, Jacqueline Brill of Poughkeepsie, Hans & Markus Brill of Chula Vista, CA and Madelena & Jakob Brill of Hyde Park. He is also survived by his stepmother Grete Brill of Bremen, Germany, plus several nieces, nephews and cousins. Herman expressed a wish that the following be included for his many friends and family."Be very kind to each other and remember who loves you." As per Herman's request, there will be no wake. His remains will be cremated and then cast upon the waters. A celebration of a life event is planned in the near future for his family and close friends. The Brill family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of Dutchess County Hospice, especially John Cassavant and Jennifer Molloy. We request that any memorial donation be made directly to Hospice of Dutchess County.