Norman J. Hilton ’41

Norm died Oct. 31, 2011. Formerly a resident of Rumson, N.J., Norm had resided at Sea Island, Ga., since 1995.

Born April 13, 1919, he enrolled at Harvard Business School after graduation from Princeton. Norm also served in the Navy during World War II, achieving the rank of lieutenant.

In July 1947 he married Constance Carens of Wellesley, Mass. Norm entered his family’s 80-year-old clothing manufacturing and retail business, and quickly became a pioneer of the emerging “Ivy League” look in menswear. His Norman Hilton brand of fine, traditional suits and sports jackets achieved nationwide renown for quality and style. In 1967, Norm was the first investor in Polo/Ralph Lauren, effectively making him the man who helped to found Polo Ralph Lauren. Selected by Burberry of London as U.S. agent, he grew the sales of the Burberry brand 30-fold between 1975 and 1987.

He participated in the board of directors of Riverview Hospital in Red Bank, N.J. He was an avid golfer and member of the clubs at Sea Island, Ocean Forest, Pine Valley, and the Royal Company of Edinburgh Golfers in Muirfield, Scotland. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Constance Hilton; sons Norman Jr. (Nick), Alexander, and Thomas; a daughter, Laura; and 13 grandchildren.