George Albert Hill

George A. Hill, a long time resident of the Town of Ulster died October 5, 2009 at the Stratton VA Hospital, Albany, following a long illness. George was born in Decatur, Illinois on January 17, 1932 a son of the late Clarence Benjamin and Anna May McDaniel Hill. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jack Richard Hill and Dale C. Hill. George is survived by his wife M. Joan Palen Hill, four daughters: Linda Hill Dyroff of Georgia (previous marriage), Edith A. Hill of Saugerties, Karen D. Wurtz and her husband Timothy of Gardiner, Susan Hill McKenzie and her husband Ronald of North Carolina, two sons: Phillip W. Hill and wife Valerie of Woodstock and William A. Hill and his wife Julie of Texas; grandson George R. Hill of Kingston (lovingly called #6), 15 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. George enlisted in the U.S. Army July 1948. He served in Guam and Japan before being sent to Korea. As part of the 10th Corp., he was involved in many reconnaissance missions (deep in enemy territory) as well as the Inchon Invasion. He was awarded several medals including the Bronze Star for valor. Upon returning to the states, he received a Department of Army assignment to West Point. Following an honorable discharge, George worked for IBM which he left to pursue a career in printing. He worked as a printer for 25 years in newspapers in NJ and NY until the computer era changed the face of printing. At the age of 45, George graduated with honors from Ulster County Community College with a degree in accounting. He worked for Ulster Savings Bank in the accounting and mortgage department. He later retired from Sawyer Savings Bank as a mortgage officer after becoming legally blind. Because of his own visual problems, he became active in the Town of Ulster Lions Club. George served as president of the Lions Club for 2 years. He was awarded Lion of the Year in 1991 and again in 1998. He also served on the County Sight and Hearing Committee. In October 2003 he was awarded Pride of Ulster County. He was a member of the American Legion of Saugerties and V.F.W Post 1386 Town of Ulster. He was an active member of the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse Commission serving on the board of trustees. He was also an active member of the Town of Esopus United Methodist Church. The family will recive friends at Simpson-Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Avenue, Kingston on Thursday between the hours of 4-8 PM. The funeral procession will form on Friday at 9:00 a.m. from the funeral home. A Funeral Service will be conducted at 10:00 AM at the Town of Esopus United Methodist Church, corner of Green and West Main St., Port Ewen. Pastor Dora J. Odarenko will officiate. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Esopus Meadow Lighthouse (POB 129, Port Ewen, NY 12466), Town of Esopus United Methodist Church, or Town of Ulster Lions Club (POB 771, Lake Katrine, NY 12449) may be made in his honor.