Bill Hewlett Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Bill Hewlett is an American engineer and entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of the Hewlett-Packard Company (HP), a cornerstone of Silicon Valley innovation.

William Redington Bill Hewlett was born on May 20, 1913, and became one of the most influential figures in computing and corporate culture thanks to his partnership with David Packard and the creation of HP. His life blended technical genius, purposeful leadership, philanthropy, and enduring personal relationships.

A Snapshot: Who Bill Hewlett Was

From Midwest Beginnings to Silicon Valley Pioneer

Bill Hewlett’s story begins in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he was born into an academically oriented family. His father taught medicine, and when Bill was three the family relocated to California, setting the stage for his lifelong bond with the Bay Area. 

Hewlett showed an early curiosity for how things worked, a quality that later defined his professional life. After formal studies at Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned advanced engineering credentials, he returned to California to pursue innovation. 

In a modest garage in Palo Alto, Hewlett and his classmate David Packard turned a shared vision into reality. With just $538 in start-up capital, they launched Hewlett-Packard Company in 1939. 

Defining moments in Bill Hewlett’s journey include:

• The garage partnership with David Packard that became Hewlett-Packard. 

• Designing HP’s first successful product, an audio oscillator purchased by Walt Disney.

• Innovating products from scientific calculators to laser printers. 

• Establishing “The HP Way” corporate culture emphasizing teamwork and trust. 

The Core Pillars of Bill Hewlett’s Wealth

Bill Hewlett’s net worth was built on a combination of leadership at Hewlett-Packard and strategic investments over decades. At the time of his death he was ranked among America’s wealthiest individuals, with an estimated $9 billion. 

The core pillars of Bill Hewlett’s wealth include:

• Hewlett-Packard Holdings & Equity – foundational source of his personal fortune. 

• Long-term investments & technology assets – growth alongside HP’s expansion.

• Philanthropic endowment impact – although largely reinvested via the Hewlett Foundation, his early gifts reflected financial magnitude. 

Bill Hewlett Relationships & Family Life

Bill Hewlett’s personal life was grounded in two deep and enduring marriages. In 1939 he married Flora Lamson Hewlett, and together they raised five children, fostering both family and charitable values. Flora was his partner in founding the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, which has become one of the most significant philanthropic organizations in the United States. 

After Flora’s passing in 1977, Hewlett later married Rosemary Kopmeier Bradford in 1978, sharing the later years of his life with a supportive companion until his death. 

Key insights into Bill Hewlett’s relationships and personal life:

• Lifelong friendship and business partnership with co-founder David Packard. 

• First marriage to Flora Lamson Hewlett resulted in five children and a major philanthropic legacy. 

• Second marriage to Rosemary Kopmeier Bradford, enriching his personal years.

Beyond the Boardroom: Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

While Hewlett’s professional life often captured headlines, his personal interests revealed depth and curiosity beyond business strategy:

Beyond career success, Bill Hewlett led a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Outdoor pursuits – avid botanist and conservationist. 

• Photography and exploration – engaging with the natural world. 

• Philanthropy through the Hewlett Foundation, supporting education, environment, global development and arts programs worldwide. 

• Ranching and community involvement with family and colleagues. 

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Bill Hewlett’s net worth, evaluated through financial reporting and retrospective tracking by institutions like Forbes, reflects not just corporate success but the historical rise of Silicon Valley entrepreneurship.

Hewlett’s wealth reflected not only personal stake in HP but the enduring influence of his business principles and investment choices.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Bill Hewlett is remembered not solely for wealth but for shaping a corporate culture that valued openness, innovation, and people. “The HP Way,” which emphasized respect for employees and flexible management, became a model for other technology firms and helped define the ethos of Silicon Valley. 

His legacy includes:

• Enduring philanthropic influence through the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. 

• Recognition in engineering and industry for products that transformed computing and measurement.

• A reputation as an engineer’s engineer — thoughtful, curious, and collaborative. 

Closing Reflections

Bill Hewlett’s story embodies the arc of American innovation — from a curious Midwestern boy to a global technology pioneer. His net worth, built on ingenuity and leadership, supported not just personal success but philanthropic reach. His relationships — both personal and professional — anchored a life rich in partnership, mentorship, and legacy. And his birthdate (May 20) and birthday mark the beginning of a life that forever changed the landscape of technology and corporate culture.