John Francis Hill, 59, formerly of Worcester, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Auburn on Tuesday, May 22nd. John is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Rebecca (Ferrin) Hill, and their children, John Hill II and his wife, Vanessa of Maynard; Daniel Hill and his wife, Cassidy of Oxford; and Lauren Hill, of Oxford; three grandchildren, Juliet, Luke, and Adelyn; his sister, Marilyn Brank, and her husband, William, of Oakham, and two brothers, Richard Hill of Leominster and Thomas Hill and his wife, Beth of Worcester; as well as many nieces and nephews, cousins, and countless dear friends. He was predeceased by his brother Reverend George H. Hill.
He was born in Worcester, the son of George H. Hill, Sr. and Elizabeth (Donohue) Hill. John grew up on Chicopee Street in Worcester and graduated from Saint John’s High School in Shrewsbury. He was a gentle, warm-hearted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who always had time for a chat, whether he actually had time for it or not. He gave all the time and energy he could to his friends and family, and all that was left to his business, Jazzbo Landscaping of Worcester. The business, which he started in high school, last year celebrated its 40th anniversary.
In 1999, John was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. Thanks to the efforts of talented doctors and nurses at St. Vincent Hospital, the love and support of friends and family, and his undeniable spirit, John was a proud 18-year cancer survivor. He took that role to heart, spending much of his free time supporting, mentoring, and talking to fellow cancer patients through various online support groups and advocating for lung cancer research funding.
His funeral is Saturday, May 26th from O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with his funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter's Church, 931 Main Street. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday, May 25th from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. The Hill family requests flowers be omitted and contributions made to the American Lung Association, 460 Totten Pond Road, Suite 400, Waltham, MA 02451. (www.lung.org)