Arthur R. Hilsinger ’49

Art first came to Princeton from the Taft School in 1945. After 15 months in the Army, he returned to campus and resumed his studies in economics. As an undergraduate he played football, hockey, and track, joined the Pre-Law Society, and was a member of Charter Club. After graduation Art spent two years at Harvard Business School, earning a degree in management.

In 1956 Art joined his father in establishing the Hilsinger Corp., a manufacturer of optical products. The Hilco brand of eyeglasses was sold worldwide, but the company headquarters remained in Plainville, Mass.

Art served as a member/director of many business and civic groups, including the Young Presidents Organization, the Durfee Attleboro Bank, and the Harvard Business School alumni board.

A quiet supporter of many philanthropic organizations, Art was notable for his service to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts (including its fund for Native American art), the Boston Ballet, and the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

An avid skier, Art took his last trip to Colorado at age 90, with his family. 

Art died Feb. 5, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his former wife, Petie; three daughters, including Jeanne ’80; two stepdaughters; and seven grandchildren.