Art Hillman was born in Orlando, Florida 96 years ago in a little house in downtown Orlando to the late David & Josephine (Block) Hillman. He graduated from Orlando High School which was the only high school in Orlando at that time. He then went to the University of Florida for a year and then served as an Information and Education NCO in the big one WW2 in Italy.
After being discharged, he went to University of Miami and then to Illinois College of Optometry on the GI bill after which he set up practice in North Miami Beach, Florida. Here he met Sally, his wonderful wife of 70 years. Being tired of patients who came in wearing their bathing suits, in 1955 they moved back to Orlando where Art stepped in to help his dad, who was ill, in the Laundry, Dry Cleaning and Rug Cleaning business. Shortly after his dad passed away Art ran the business for 15 years, sold it and opened his Optometric practice in Orlando.
After about 25 years of practice, he retired from Optometry to pursue other areas of interest. Since retiring he has had approximately 50 different jobs including 911 Operator, Post Office claims clerk, Parking Enforcement Officer of Orange County, Arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau Lemon Law, Mediator for the Division of Florida Land Sales and best of all Mediator for Orange County. Art enjoys tennis, biking and taking care of his yard. He is happiest when busy with different types of activities. He and Sally love to travel, especially on cruises. They traveled to Asia, Europe, Africa, South Africa, Alaska, and Australia
Dr. Hillman is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Sally (Tagrin) Hillman of Longwood, Florida; son, Randy (Yvonne) Hillman of Winter Springs, Florida; daughters, Janis (Robert) Wheeler and Nancy Jo (Robert) Griffith both of Altamonte Springs, Florida; 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Graveside Services for Dr. Hillman was held 11:00 AM Wednesday September 9th, 2022 at Temple Israel Cemetery with Rabbi Arnold Siegel officiating.
Services entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 933 Lee Road, Suite 101, Orlando, Florida 407-599-1180.
