Leslie Ray Hill

Leslie R. Hill, Ph D.

(1941-2025)

Leslie (Les) Ray Hill, 84, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and pioneering engineer, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025 in Albuquerque, NM. A native of New York, Leslie was born in February 1941 to Reino and Vilma Hill. The family lived on a farm outside of Spencer, New York. Through farm life the value of hard work, perseverance, and education were instilled in him by his parents. These values would guide his life and legacy.

Leslie graduated as valedictorian of the Spencer Central High School Class of 1959 and was the first in his family to attend college. He earned a full scholarship to Union College, where he completed his undergraduate studies, and later pursued advanced degrees at Princeton University, culminating in a doctoral degree in Engineering.

Leslie dedicated 33 years of service to Sandia National Laboratories, where he held numerous engineering positions and led several high-impact research and development projects. He was known to be outgoing and open to new ideas among his coworkers and friends.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Leslie was committed to nurturing future generations. He was a longtime volunteer with the MathCounts program in Albuquerque, inspiring young minds to pursue STEM careers. He also established a scholarship fund for students at his alma mater, Spencer Central High School, helping remove financial barriers to higher educationjust as someone had done for him decades earlier.

Leslie's personal life was anchored by deep love and loyalty. He married his childhood sweetheart, Elaine, with whom he shared a lifelong bond. Together, they raised two children, Joel Hill (and wife Sally) of Albuquerque, and Julie Monsees (and husband Geoffrey) of Cary, North Carolina. He was a proud grandfather to four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Elaine, his parents Reino and Vilma, and leaves behind a family who will honor his memory always.

Leslie will be laid to rest beside his wife in Newfield, New York.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, an organization close to Leslie's heart.