Richard L. Hill, 83, of Middleboro, MA passed away Thursday, December 5th surrounded by his loving family after a valiant battle with cancer.
Richard (Dick) was born in Cohasset, MA on October 16, 1941, son of Francis and Marguerite (Peg) Hill. Graduate of Whitman High School, Richard went on to serve as a mechanic in the Air Force. After his military service, Richard was a machinist his entire working life, even starting his own machine shop. He was an avid artist and master carver of birds under the watchful eye of his dear friend Richard Palmer. He had a passion for restoring old Corvettes, owned several, and was a member of the South Coastal Corvette Club. He enjoyed bird watching, spending time with friends and family, playing cribbage, traveling, snowmobiling, basket weaving, and camping. He also enjoyed time at the gun club with his friends. In his earlier years, he played guitar in a local band. He was a collector of coins, stamps, baseball cards, and occasionally stray animals. He enjoyed hosting exchange students from around the world, who quickly became close members of his family.
He was always involved in helping others pursue their passions. From hot dog stands, to Native American flutes, to helping veterans obtain their well-deserved benefits, he was always ready and willing to help. He was the classic Renaissance man, teaching almost everyone about almost everything. He had amazing attention to detail that allowed him to master various crafts quickly.
Richard was the loving husband of Margaret (Flanagan) for 60 years. They raised their family in Hanson, MA, where they lived for 35 years. He is survived by a daughter Lisa Mitchell and husband Tom, daughter Nikki Cooney, son Steffen Hill and wife Deana (Sabbag), 4 grandchildren Caitlin, Jennifer, Natalie, and Kaitlyn, and many nieces and nephews. Richard had 4 siblings; sister Carole Torrey, brother James Hill, the late Jeanne Blake, and sister Lucinda Stevens. In addition to his family, friends, and granddog Oliver, Richard leaves behind many exchange students, including Fernando Martinez and wife Betty from Chile, Per Frimor from Denmark, and Carl Lundberg and wife Mette also from Denmark, all who became very close extended family members.
There will be a celebration of his life at a later date in the spring.