Obituary of Joseph E. Hill

Joseph E. Hill, age 62, of Johnstown, retired New York State Veteran's Counselor for Fulton County, died Thursday evening, March 10, 2011 at home, following a long illness. He was born April 5, 1948 in Massena, NY, the son of the late Ralph Hill and Ruby Gardinier Hill. A graduate of Madrid-Waddington High School in St. Lawrence County, Joe also was a graduate of SUNY Canton and attended St. Lawrence University. He served as a volunteer firefighter in the Canton area. Joe served his country faithfully in the Army for two tours of duty in Vietnam. Following his disability during the war he was transferred to Military Intelligence Coordination. He came from the Canton area to Johnstown in 1982 and became the NYS Veteran's Counselor for Fulton County for twenty years until his retirement in 2002. Joe was well-known in Fulton County for his wonderful personality and his care and concern for all Veterans. He would always be willing to go the extra step to help a Veteran with benefits or any other service available for those who served their country. He was very active in and held numerous offices in many organizations including: Fulton County DAV; Broadalbin American Legion both County Commander and District Commander; Gloversville VFW and was a former member of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Joe was a member of Holy Trinity Parish in Johnstown. In his earlier years he was active with Boy Scouting. He enjoyed bowling, hunting and camping at Lake Ontario. His passionate sport was golf. Survivors include: his wife, Shirley A. Aurelio Hill, whom he married on April 20, 1974; two children, Jennifer A. Parker Charles, Jr. of Fort Plain and Jeremy J. Hill of Johnstown; four brothers and sisters, Richard Hill of Chase Mills, Randolph Hill of Ogdensburg, Debra Hill of Ogdensburg and Lee Hill of Madrid, NY; two grandchildren, Colton Hill and Olivia Hill; several nieces, nephews, cousins and one aunt. He was predeceased by two brothers and a sister, Logan Hill, Philip Hill and Bonnie Haney. The family will receive relatives and friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 13 at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St; Gloversville, where a prayer service will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday with the Rev. Thomas Morrette officiating. Interment will take place at the convenience of the family at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville, NY 12078 or to Fisher House, 113 Holland Ave; Albany, NY 12208.