Donald Lee Hillebrand, founder of Pittsburgh-area appliance retail empire Don’s Appliances, died this week. He was 82.
Hillebrand, who founded the store with his late wife, Jill Ann Hillebrand, in 1971, died “peacefully surrounded by his family” on Monday, an obituary said.
He was born Aug. 24, 1943, in McKees Rocks.
In the early 1960s, he walked into a Maytag store, which sold Maytag-brand appliances such as washers and dryers, after seeing a help-wanted sign in the window.
“A few years later, he made the decision to start his own business, laying the foundation for what Don’s Appliances would become,” the obituary said.
Headquartered in Robinson, Don’s Appliances sells, delivers, installs and services all major home appliance brands.
Don’s Appliances now spans 12 locations and employs more than 180 people, serving customers throughout Western Pennsylvania and into West Virginia.
Hillebrand’s business was built through “quiet determination and perseverance,” and a “customer-first” philosophy, the obituary said.
He enjoyed weekends aboard his boat called the “Agitator.”
“The name, which brought a smile to many, was said by some to reflect his roots in the appliance business, while others knew he was always ready to stir things up,” according to the obituary.
The company remains a family business, run by several of Hillebrand’s sons.
A post paying tribute to Hillebrand was shared on the company’s Facebook page on Tuesday.
“Don’s dedication, warmth, and legacy of service will continue to inspire all of us at Don’s Appliances. We extend our deepest condolences to the Hillebrand Family, and we honor his lifetime of hard work, generosity, and community spirit,” the post said.
Hillebrand will be remembered for his love of traveling, playing slot machines in Las Vegas and being a member of Saint Anne’s Parish for more than 50 years, according to the obituary.
Hillebrand is survived by his five sons and 13 grandchildren.
Hillebrand’s family could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.