'Always up for an adventure:' Girlfriend remembers man, 65, killed at Gardens golf course
RIVIERA BEACH — Dina Lauro recalled her first time meeting Brian Hiltebeitel nearly two decades ago. As she saw him walking into the corridor of her Philadelphia apartment complex, she walked up to introduce herself.
"I was immediately smitten," Lauro said in written remarks to The Palm Beach Post about Hiltebeitel, who died Nov. 25 in an attack at Sandhill Crane Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens.
"Despite being shy at the time, I couldn't help myself and walked right up to him to introduce myself. He was just so handsome and energetic."
It was the beginning of a relationship that would lead to the couple moving to South Florida and Hiltebeitel helping Lauro build a vegan bakery and deli businesses. This month, Lauro hosted a celebration of life at her Riviera Beach-based business, Dina's Vegan Deli & Desserts, to honor the man she loved.
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Hundreds gathered on Jan. 12 to remember the man known for his adventurous spirit and outgoing personality.
"The celebration of life was something I wanted to organize for Brian and for all the people he touched here in Florida," Lauro said. "We've lived here since 2011, and through both of our businesses, we've connected so many people. Many of them came to pay their respects, and it was like a reunion of old friends."
Lauro described Hiltebeitel as someone who "always had a smile on his face and a mischievous look in his eyes, like he was always up to something fun." He had a funny way of making up his own language, saying words by accident, she said.
"For me, Brian was not just a life partner, but my best friend and constant playmate," she said. "We were always up for an adventure — whether it was hiking or kayaking, a day at the amusement park, a cozy movie night, or simply enjoying each other's company at home."
Hiltebeitel was previously married and had three daughters and three grandchildren. Every Sunday meant making a video call to his youngest daughter, Kelsey.
"His family adored him, not just because he was a wonderful father and grandfather, but because of his silly, fun-loving nature," Lauro said.
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Palm Beach Gardens police investigators said Hiltebeitel, 65, was at the city-owned Sandhill Crane Golf Club on Nov. 25 — days before the Thanksgiving holiday — when he was attacked with his own golf clubs. Witnesses told police that a man later identified as Junior Boucher chased Hiltebeitel into a nearby pond and began choking him.
Police arrested Boucher, 36, of The Acreage and prosecutors charged him with second-degree murder. Boucher also faces a charge of aggravated battery on a person 65 or older.
He has pleaded not guilty to both charges and is awaiting trial. His next court hearing is scheduled in April before Circuit Judge Caroline Shepherd.
At the time of Boucher's arrest, police said he had no known reason for being at the golf course or for interacting with Hiltebeitel. Police Chief Dominick Pape said Boucher's family had reported him missing to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office about an hour before the attack. Lauro said Hiltebeitel did not know the man accused of killing him.
A spokesperson for Palm Beach Gardens police said Friday that investigators have not identified a motive for the attack.
Lauro said Hiltebeitel began playing golf as a child, with the game becoming more of a serious hobby in his 20s and 30s. Moving to Florida allowed him to spend more time at the course, practicing two days a week and playing once a week, she said.
On the day of the attack, Hiltebeitel had gone to the golf course to practice, Lauro said.
"It was his day off, and he loved spending time outside, honing his skills and appreciating the tranquility of nature," Lauro said. "It was a way for him to unwind, take his time and focus on the game he loved."
Julius Whigham II is a criminal justice and public safety reporter for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jwhigham@pbpost.com and follow him on Twitter at @JuliusWhigham. Help support our work: Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Man killed at Gardens golf course remembered for adventurous spirit
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