Former Hopatcong High Teacher, Grandfather Dies At 69

HOPATCONG, N.J. – Philip Hirlemann shaped the artistic vision of hundreds of Hopatcong students over the course of a quarter century.

The longtime art teacher died recently at the age of 69.

Hirlemann was born in 1947 and raised in Belmar, New Jersey. He taught at Hopatcong High School for more than 25 years and shared his love of photography, art, and cars. He retired in 2006.

He loved spending time with his family and friends. He’s survived by his wife, Helene, five children, and eight grandchildren.

A celebration of life will include visitation on Sunday, April 24, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home on Landing Road in Landing. A Christian Liturgy will be offered Monday, April 25 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Lake on Windemere Avenue in Mt. Arlington.