1932
Rodney
2012
Rodney E. Hill
December 31, 1932 — March 4, 2012
He was born in Gardner on December 31, 1932, son of the late Edwin and Helvia (Orava) Hill and had lived in Winchendon for 17 years. He previously had lived in Templeton for many years and had been a winter resident of Florida from 1989 to 2003.
Rod was a 1950 graduate of Gardner High School and entered the United States Navy following his graduation. He held the rank of Gunner’s Mate Seaman and served aboard the USS Des Moines. He received the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Ribbon and Navy Occupation Medal.
Rod worked as a shipper at American Fiber Co and then worked as a supervisor at Collier Keyworth Co. For several years he worked as sales manager for WINK until his retirement. In his most recent years, Rod worked as a groundskeeper at Woodmore Campground in Rindge, NH.
Active in community affairs, Rod was a member and Past Commander of the American Legion in Gardner. He was a former Pop Warner football coach and little league coach and was active with the United Way. In his younger years, Rod played quarterback for the Gardner Merchants. He enjoyed camping, gardening, reading, and foremost, enjoyed his family. He was a fan of the Boston Red Sox and New York Giants.
His wife of 53 years, Nancy A. (Cormier) Hill, died in 2010. He leaves a son, Stephen E. Hill and his wife Debra Bezio of Gardner; five grandchildren, Erik Hill, Brianne Bastarache, Beth Houston, Harmony Hill and Alex Hill; two step grandchildren, Nathan Bezio and Andrew Bezio and six great grandchildren, Hannah Houston, Bryce Houston, Joey Bastarache, Miley Bezio, Andrew Bezio Jr and Annabelle Bastarache; a brother, Mike Hill of Florida; a sister, Cheryl Morris of FL and several nephews and nieces. In addition to his wife, Rod was predeceased by a daughter, Shelly R. Hill, a grandson, Stephen Bradley Hill and a sister, Sheila Blood.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 10th at 1 PM in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon. The Rev. David R. Cote will officiate. Calling hours will be from 11AM to 1 PM preceding the funeral.
Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Gardner at the convenience of the family.
Memorial donations may be made to the Greater Gardner Relay for Life, American Cancer Society, 350 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA. 01604.
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