Political power broker, philanthropist dies at 89
PITTSBURGH — Elsie Hillman, a philanthropist and political activist who helped propel moderate Republicans to state and national offices, has died at her Pittsburgh home. She was 89.
Hillman’s family, including her billionaire industrialist husband of 70 years, Henry Hillman, and their four children announced her death on Tuesday.
Hillman and the Hillman Foundation were supporters of the Community Health Clinic of Butler County.
Hillman is a former Republican National Committeewoman who was credited for using her political acumen and money to help President George H.W. Bush get elected in 1988 and Tom Ridge, then a congressman, get elected governor in 1994.
Hillman chaired her self-named charitable foundation and supported Pittsburgh’s Public Television station, WQED, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and efforts to help women and minorities reach elective office, among other works.
Funeral arrangements will be private, though a community memorial is planned for Sept. 19 at Calvary Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh.
