David Cecil Hill, 75, died from complications of COVID-induced pneumonia on Thursday, October 17, 2024, in Tucson, Arizona.
Born on November 12, 1948, in Keene, New Hampshire, to Daniel Cecil Hill and Lucille Alice Boodey Hill, Dave was the oldest of six. He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger siblings, Timothy and Jennie Lu. He is survived by Patricia Anne (nee: Schroeder) Hill, daughters Jessica (David) Gerlach of Tucson and Emily Hill (Miller Cochran) of Durham, North Carolina, and siblings Ruth (Roger) Joslin of Warwick, Massachusetts, Jonathan Hill of Richmond, New Hampshire, Rebecca (Robert) Moulton of Ashuelot, New Hampshire, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition, he will be missed by his beloved dog, Daniel, three cats, and three horses.
Dave was known by many names and titles: Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, Nephew, Husband, 4-Her, Farmer, Leader, Doctor, Professor, Psychologist, Pilot, Advocate, Activist, Coach, Cook, Yahoo, Conscientious Objector, Rotarian, Truck Driver, Dishwasher, Factory Worker, Teacher, Bicyclist, Cancer Survivor, Philanthropist, Musician, Traveler, Friend. Each name reflects a different chapter of his extraordinary life—a life full of purpose, resilience, and care for others.
Dave’s journey began on a dairy farm in New Hampshire, where he spent his youth milking cows and baling hay with his siblings. He attended the University of New Hampshire, where he met his wife on the way to study abroad in Marburg, Germany. This launched 55 years of love, partnership, and travel adventures, which took them to dozens of countries, all 50+ states, and many driving trips across the country, often with horses, dogs, and cats in tow.
After college, Dave began a journey to discover his true calling in helping others. He began by nurturing young minds as a daycare teacher in Portland, Maine. After receiving a masters in school counseling from University of Southern Maine and a doctorate in psychology from the University of Arizona, he began a 30-year career as a psychologist, addictions counselor, and university professor in Lancaster, PA. He guided countless students and clients with wisdom and compassion.
Throughout his life, Dave embodied the spirit of adventure and perseverance. Dave could be found flying as a private pilot, protesting and resisting wars, battling cancer, rollerskating, skiing, playing his guitar, or riding horses at breakneck speeds. He was an avid bicyclist, participating in countless perimeter rides in Tucson, AZ and Lancaster County, PA, riding solo from coast to coast (twice), and on tours to Canada and in Italy and the Netherlands. At countless horse shows, he served as groom and videographer for both his daughters and his wife. Every role he embraced left a lasting mark on those fortunate enough to cross his path and be loved by him—which was basically anyone he ever met.
Celebrations of life will take place in Lancaster, PA and Ashuelot, NH in 2025. Those who wish to receive updates about these services may visit https://sites.google.com/view/remembering-dave-hill. Dave was a generous donor to many nonprofit causes, and in tribute, the family is encouraging memorial donations made to any nonprofit of your choice, or one of Dave’s favorites: Best Friends Animal Society, 4-H, International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation, or your local NPR station.