Richard E. Hill

Richard “Dick” Hill, 74, of Kent, Ohio passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 20, 2024 at Summa Health Akron City Hospital, following a brief illness. Dick is survived by his loving wife Deborah (Pastore) Hill of Kent, Ohio, sons Alan Hill of Stow, Ohio and Eric (Gretchen) Hill of Kent, Ohio; grandchildren Madelaine and Peter Hill; siblings Rhonda (Jerry) Brown of Lisbon, Ohio, Sandy (Janice) Hill of Hartville, Ohio, and Jim (Kathy) Hill of Leetonia, Ohio. Dick was preceded in death by his parents Richard S. and Rhoda Elizabeth (Stouffer) Hill and sibling Candice (Hill) Platine.

Dick was born July, 4 1949, in Salem, Ohio to the late Rhoda and Richard Hill. Affectionately called “Dickie” by his brothers and sisters. He grew up on a family farm surrounded by animals and nature. Dick met his lifelong sweetheart (Deborah Pastore-Hill) in an art class at David Anderson High School. After graduating and marrying Debbie in 1969, Dick served his country like many young of this time in Vietnam. His time in Vietnam stayed with him throughout his life as he was actively involved in the Hill 4-11 association. After returning home to his beautiful wife and newborn son (Joseph Alan Hill) he worked for Murphy Mart which brought him to Kent, Ohio. After the birth of his second child (Eric Matthew Hill), Dick started to consider what occupation would support his young family. Building off of his sevice to his country, he waffled between becoming a police officer or a firefighter. In 1976, Dick joined the Kent Fire Department as both a firefighter and a paramedic. Eventually rising to the distinguished position of lieutenant, Dick enjoyed mentoring younger firefighters and watching their families grow. Even into retirement, he continued to stay connected to all of the firefighters. One of his favorite things to do was take bags of coffee to the firehouse near Christmas and spend time reminiscing with his colleagues. One of his other lifelong passions was becoming a pilot. In the late 1970’s he earned his pilot’s license and shared ownership of a Cessna 172. The family enjoyed trips to Niagara Falls and Put-In-Bay. He continued to foster this love for flight by visiting the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin several times and the Dayton Airforce Museum with his sons and grandchildren.

In retirement, Dick’s favorite hobby was traveling with Debbie, first on his Honda Gold Wing and in recent years in a bevy of campers and recreational vehicles. Planning for each trip took extensive research, and Dick relished the experience of finding new campgrounds, small historical sites, and unique museums to visit. Upon returning from their adventures, Dick would offer ice cream to family members to lure them into viewing the wealth of photographs taken on each trip. Photos documented the beautiful vistas visited, food consumed, and always many beautiful pictures of his true love Debbie. The stories that accompanied these pictures were often filled with rich details from the ease of parking the current camper or RV, to interesting people met along the way, and of the outrageous prices associated with different campgrounds. Although Dick loved traveling alone with Debbie, he absolutely delighted in traveling with family. Yearly trips to North Myrtle Beach were extended to everyone and many memories were made, from Maddie overindulging at the KW Cafeteria to giant milkshakes devoured by Peter. A quote found in his wallet truly summed up Dick’s feeling on travel: “I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travels sake. The great affair is to move.” - Robert Louis Stevenson.

Dick will be remembered for so many things by such a multitude of people. Each of his loved ones have unique and special memories of him. His fellow firefighters will always remember his honesty and integrity. His extended family will always treasure the time spent talking at family gatherings. His grandchildren will carry the memories of special vacations and trips to get ice cream just because. His sons will remember his attentiveness to time, his love of history, and dedication to his family. His siblings will remember their special family times. His wife will hold dear every moment of their 54 years of loving marriage filled with thoughtful Hallmark cards and the amazing adventures that every day has held. As Marcus Tullius Cicero said “The love you gave in life keeps people alive beyond their time. Anyone who was given love will always live on in another's heart.”  With the love that Dick shared with friends and family, he will live on in each of us.

Funeral services will be Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 5:00PM at Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.  Visitation will be prior to the service from 3:00-5:00PM on Sunday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Hill 4-11 Scholarship Fund can be sent to Mike McQueen, 628 Forrest Hills Dr. Brandon, FL 33510-3833.

Services in the care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory.