David Curtis Hidinger, Jr.

David Curtis Hidinger, Jr., age 82, passed away at his home in Hampton on April 18, 2022. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Kathryn Kosmides Hidinger. A beloved father and grandfather, he leaves behind daughter and son-in-law, Debra and Art Boyce, of Hampton; son and daughter-in-law, David and Andrea Hidinger, of Colleyville, Texas; and grandchildren: RB, Kyle, Sara, David, and Michael.
David was a research chemist in the burgeoning field of plastics when he started his career. The first in his family to attend college, he earned a bachelor’s degree by going to night school while he worked full time and helped raise two children. David took pride in seeing his name on seven US patents as the result of his work at General Tire and Rubber Co. in Akron, Ohio. He was promoted to plant manager of their Newcomerstown, OH, facility before a serious heart condition forced early retirement. David outlived the predictions of his cardiologists at The Cleveland Clinic by a good 25 years, and he spent those years traveling the world with his wife and participating in the lives of his grandchildren as they grew to adulthood. He was a 20-year member of the seniors golf league at Kiln Creek Country Club in Newport News, VA, where he and Kathy enjoyed socializing with neighbors and friends.
David’s interest in science was never abstract, but hands-on; he loved the practical applications of chemistry and physics as translated into cooking, painting, woodworking, bowling, and billiards. An avid reader, crossword puzzler, and lifelong learner, he exercised his sharp wit with a penchant for sarcasm, but always with a twinkle in his eye.
A memorial service and interment of ashes will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, Yorktown, Virginia, at a later date. To honor David’s memory, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Red Cross, or a charitable organization of your choice. Arrangements by Amory Funeral Home, Grafton,VA.