August 20, 1933 – July 1, 2026
Dr. Wilbur Hull Highleyman II, 92, passed away peacefully at 9:05 a.m. on July 1, 2026, at Heritage Home in Pinedale, Wyoming. He was a 45-year resident of Blairstown, NJ.
Born on August 20, 1933, in Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Highleyman lived a life defined by innovation, curiosity, adventure, and a pioneering spirit.
Dr. Highleyman earned his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree from RPI in 1955, his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from MIT in 1957, and his Doctor of Electrical Engineering degree from BPI in 1961. He held four U.S. patents and published extensively.
Dr. Highleyman had more than 30 years of experience developing real-time online data-processing systems. His work included development of the original modem, now on display at MIT. Among his many accomplishments were the first computerized system for racetrack wagering for the New York Racing Association, the first automation of floor trading for the Chicago Board of Trade, international telex switching systems for ITT World Communications, a fault-tolerant database management system used by the NY Daily News, a 6,000-terminal state lottery system, billing and data collection systems for telephone companies, and message-switching systems supporting international cablegram and private network services.
In 1968, Dr. Highleyman founded The Sombers Group and built the company into a respected provider of turnkey software systems for mission-critical applications. He also founded MiniData Services, pioneering the use of minicomputer technology to bring sophisticated data processing services to small businesses.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Highleyman founded Data Trends, Inc. He worked at Bell Telephone Laboratories, where he was responsible for developing advanced modem communications. He also worked at Lincoln Laboratory, where he contributed to the development of one of the world’s first transistorized computers.
Although his professional accomplishments were remarkable, those who knew Dr. Highleyman best also remember his adventurous spirit and enthusiasm for life. He was a passionate private pilot. He and his former wife, Janice Reeder-Highleyman, flew poodle rescue missions up and down the East Coast. He also enjoyed skiing, scuba diving, and traveling around the world.
Dr. Highleyman is survived by his children, Leslie Ann Highleyman, Wilbur “Bud” Beck Highleyman, Virginia “Norene” Christensen, and Locke Tiffin Highleyman; and by his stepson, William “Bill” Waldron.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers and staff at Heritage Home in Pinedale for the dignity, kindness, and exceptional care they provided during Dr. Highleyman’s final years.
In lieu of cards, gifts, or flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local animal shelter or rescue organization, or that you consider adopting a shelter animal in his honor, as caring for animals was one of his passions.