Edward Hill, Frfd, Ret.

Longtime Fall River resident and Westport native Edward Hill, Sr., 83, who was living at Catholic Memorial Home while dealing with his dementia and related health issues, passed away on August 11, 2012. Son of the late James and Louise (Guild) Hill and stepson of Elizabeth (Guild) Hill, he was the brother of Joan Andrade, Carol Crepeau, Robert Hill and the late James H. Hill, James E. Hill and Charlotte LeBlanc. He leaves his son Edward Hill, Jr. and his wife Jeanne (Plourde) Hill, grandchildren, Shelley Hill, Kaitlyn Hill, Laura Pelton, Christopher Pelton, Diane Pelton and Michelle Pelton and great-grandchildren Cody Ferreira, Tyler Hill and Morgan Faith Hill. Formerly married to the late Maureen (Coppinger) Hill Crocker, he also leaves his son's mother-in-law Terry Plourde, aunt Dorothy Hill, former daughter-in-law Michelle Doherty-Hill and many nieces and nephews. He left Westport High School to support the Charves Farm that was short on workers during WW II. Enlisting in the US Navy at the start of the Korean War he served on the USS English. After four years, he was discharged with honor at the rank of Petty Officer III. Residing in Fall River after his military commitment, he worked at the Coca Cola plant and Firestone Rubber Co. By the late 1950's he was accepted into the Sheet Metal Apprenticeship program while working at Hughes Sheet Metal Shop. During this period he volunteered on every political campaign (City Council, Governor's Council, Mayor) for the late Nicholas W. Mitchell. After passing the Mass. firefighter's civil service exam he was appointed to the Fall River Fire Department in 1964. Assigned to the Globe and later the Flint station, he retired after 28 years with the department. In 2002 the Westport Community School System presented him with an honorary diploma for his public service. Recently he donated his uniforms and related artifacts to the newly formed Fall River Fire Department Museum. His funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11:00 AM in the AUCLAIR FUNERAL HOME, 690 So. Main St., Fall River. Burial, Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. LARGE PARKING AREA and BARRIER-FREE ENTRANCE at the rear of funeral home. In lieu of flowers and honor of his public service, donations should be sent to the Fall River Fire Museum, 1181 No. Main St., Fall River MA 02720. Checks are payable to the Fall River Fire Museum.