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Gordon Hilliard Obituary
A longtime and beloved resident of the Hilltopper City, Gordon "Coach Gordie" Hilliard spent a lifetime coaching and instructing generations of Somersworth youth in the discipline, value, and joy of competitive athletics. He served most notably as Somersworth Middle School's Athletic Director and Head Coach of the school's varsity girls' basketball team, the latter for 37 years, winning numerous tournament and league championships and filling the school's trophy case before retiring in 2014. A tireless fundraiser, Coach Gordie raised money through charity and special events to make sure that all of the kids on his teams had proper gear, uniforms, and warm up clothing.
Gordie also was Head Coach of the St. Martins and Somersworth Catholic middle school boys basketball teams in the 1970s, coached boys youth football and girls recreational league softball in Somersworth, and organized various summer basketball camps in the city from the 1980s through the early 2000s.
Born in Lowell, Mass. on Sept. 29, 1940, son of the late Daniel Hartwell Hilliard and Louise E. (Sturgeon) Hilliard, Gordie moved with his family to South Berwick, Maine during his childhood, attending Berwick Academy and Dover High School, where he was a standout, three-sport athlete in baseball, football, and basketball.
Following high school, he served briefly in the U.S. Navy, receiving an honorable discharge for medical reasons. After settling in Somersworth, he worked at Kidder Press in Dover, the Somersworth Housing Authority, Somersworth Recreation Department, and the Strafford Place in Durham, before taking on duties at Somersworth's Middle School. He also served as a volunteer firefighter with the Somersworth Fire Department.
Gordon and Joanne (Gilbert), a lifetime resident of Somersworth, married on Oct. 29, 1965 in South Berwick, Maine. He was a devoted husband and had a playful and loving relationship with his children and grandchildren. His values – family, community, integrity, and fun – were an unconditional bond among them all. All that knew him will miss his infectious laughter, friendly ribbing, and genuine love of sports in his community. His commitment to Somersworth and dedication to his middle school students were unmatched.
Gordie is survived by his wife, Joanne; their children, Kim (Hilliard) and husband, Daniel Canney, of Somersworth, N.H., Daniel Hilliard and wife, Shelly Grow, of Washington, D.C., Dana Hilliard and husband, Sean Peschel, of Somersworth, N.H., and Kerri (Hilliard) Griffin of Berwick, Maine; grandchildren, Shana, Amber, Morgan, and Kelvin; great-grandson, Bronson; his sisters, Jackie (Hilliard) Brooks of South Berwick, Maine and Nancy (Hilliard) and her husband, Thomas Pebbles, of Anderson, S.C.; as well as his many nieces and nephews.
The family will hold a private burial on June 18. A public celebration of life for Coach Gordie will be scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, and to honor his struggle with Alzheimer's disease and cancer, the family asks that donations be made in Coach Gordie Hilliard's name to either the Alzheimer's Association or the Jimmy Fund, the official team charity of his beloved Boston Red Sox. Donations can also be made to the Gordon Hilliard Memorial Fund, which has been established to support student athletics at the Somersworth Middle School. Contributions to the Fund should be made out to Somersworth Middle School, with a memo of "Coach Gordie" and sent to: SAU 56, 51 West High Street, Somersworth, NH 03878. For additional details contact: (603) 692-4450 Ext. 1603.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gordon Hilliard
Margaret Hall
June 9, 2024
Every time I saw Gordy he mad me laugh!
Mary Hennelly
July 14, 2020
To the Hilliard family, Gordie was a great guy, I enjoyed playing softball for him and just chatting with him. He truly loved Somersworth and did lots for the kids, he was the best and will be missed.
Stan Moulton
July 5, 2020
To the family of my friend Gordie
We worked together for several years in Somersworth on the high way dept., We had some amazing times together, I totally enjoyed working with him , he was the perfect partner to work we, we got along like brothers.
I am so happy he was in your life all these years
CC Dickinson
July 2, 2020
words seem to be so difficult at a time like this yet know, I care.
Gordon coached my son and grandchildren , his caring and supportive style was amazing. He taught them to never give up, no matter what the situation was, losing a game, wrong play, losing their temper or being upset that they were not in the game. Gordon knew how, at the end of the game, how to make them proud, no matter what.
Those times were valuable lessons.
My heart is heavy for the family and the community yet we know Gordon will always live on in many hearts.
I feel so happy that I got to send him a card a month or so prior to the angels coming to carry him home, letting him know how respected and loved he was by many.
Let the tears flow, when the time right, replace them with happy smiles
CC Dickinson
Vivianne and Mike Derosier
June 25, 2020
To the Hilliard Family, Please accept our sincere condolences on Gordon's passing. He was certainly a huge asset to the youth in the community and he will truly be missed.
Jim and Charlene Hodsdon
June 24, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family
Gordie was the best.
Dede. Dionne
June 21, 2020
Joanne and family
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Hold your memories close to your hearts and take care of each other.
God Bless
Dede Dionne
Deborah Evans
June 21, 2020
Dear Hilliard family, the Somersworth community was very fortunate to have Gordie Hilliard on their team! He will remain in our thoughts and his sense of humor will be with us forever. May fond memories help to heal your hearts.......
Friends at Somersworth Housing Authority
Paul F Maskwa
June 18, 2020
Our sincerest sympathy to all of you. Gordie was a valued friend, a person who touched the lives of many, many people in a most positive way. His dedication to the young people of Somersworth was without equal. He had deep feelings for his players and they returned the feeling towards him. He holds a prominent place in the hearts of many students, teachers, and residents of Somersworth. I feel fortunate to have been able to work with Gordie for many years. His loss will be felt keenly by all of us. May his memory be eternal. Paul and Paula Maskwa
larry francoeur
June 18, 2020
To the Hilliard Family
My sincerest sympathy to all of you for your loss. I have many memories of Gordie, whether it be coaching , reffing, or working on fields at the noble pines. Gordie has touched thousands of student athletes from Somersworth in a positive way. He has not been forgotten and will stay in the memories of all of us forever. May time heal your sorrow.
Larry and Paula Francoeur
Jaime Bickford
June 18, 2020
To: Coach Gordie's Family,
Gordie will be missed by so many. I have so many memories on and off the basketball court with him. Some even more recent. I will cherish all the memories of him always, even all the stair running and yelling. I am thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Glenn Cyr
June 17, 2020
Dear Hilliard Family,
Gordie will be missed dearly. We all grew up watching him interact with us and then with our children. He was such a positive influence on everyone's life. His obituary says it perfectly. Please remember all of the great times and know he left such a positive mark on our city. Our family has you in our thoughts and prayers,
Joan, Glenn, and Meaghan Cyr
Cheryl Purpura
June 17, 2020
We are very sorry to hear about your loss.
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Nancy Ouellette
June 17, 2020
My condolences to Joanne and family in the passing of Gordie. Somersworth will always remember him for dedication to the children of this city?
Robin Renaud
June 17, 2020
Sorry to hear of Gordons passing. He was such a nice man. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Jim & Mary Ann
June 17, 2020
So sorry to hear of Gordy's passing. He has left so many Amazing memories of kindness and happiness that He Will Never be Forgotten!! Thinking of you All during this difficult time.
John Hersom
June 16, 2020
Joanne, I am sorry to read about Gordie. It was providence that I stopped in to see my old teenager partner a few weeks ago. We had some good memories to talk about the good old days in South Berwick. He had a nice smile as we talked. I am thankful that the $2.00 he borrowed was a topic during the last 50 years. May you find rest knowing that he is not suffering any longer. God bless and I am sure you will miss him as long as you live. John
Bonnie Dubois
June 16, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
With Smpathy and Condolences.
Cathy Burns
June 16, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
Eileen Shevelin
June 16, 2020
My memories of Gordie from our old Somersworth days will never fade.
He was truly one-of-a-kind on every level, and I can't imagine the world without him in it. There is no doubt that Gordie is looking down upon you from Heaven with a big smile on his face - so very thankful for such a loving and joyful family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
David J. Abbott
June 16, 2020
My deepest sympathy for you Dana and the Holland family. I enjoyed seeing this man coach kids. He didnt just couch them basketball, no he taught them about life and sportsmanship. My son played on The Dover Junior High Basketball team and when I first saw him. I knew he was in the military. He had that stern coaching with compassion and love for the kids and the games. Winning or losing he taught them to play as a team and to keep their heads up and be proud. At times when he got a little vocal at the ref, he would shake his head as he turn to his bench. He would explain to the kids something and get high fives and smiles. He was a coach of sports and live. Coach Gordie, God had blown the whistle for you. You talent is needed at Coaching the Best team. People on earth thought you were losing your memory. They didnt understand God had you studying the rules, teams, and you Scouting out your players. When they meet you again they will then know what your concentrating on when they see the reason God needed you.
May your thoughtfulness spread over all the kids you taught the game of live and basketball too. To the rest of caring, loving family, God Bless you All
and thank you for letting your Husband and dad, share his kindness, compassion and love to the people he touched. I too have memories issues. I called city hall to talk to Dana about the homeless. I was informed of his death. I thought I heard the name before. When I saw his picture, my mind trigger. Tears began to flow, it brought me back many years. Coach Gordie thank you for teaching the refs the game of basketball
Rick Forge
June 16, 2020
Good man, solid values, great family.....
He left his mark on those who knew him. He will be sorely missed but not forgotten.
Kristine Fontaine Trulock
June 15, 2020
I have fond memories of Kerri and her dad as our basketball teams battled it out on the court year after year. Though an opposing coach and parent, he was also a friendly and approachable man who made our childhood rivalry fun. His friendship with my dad help foster Kerri and I's friendship off the court. I am so sorry for your loss, hold tight to your memories. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him. xoxo-Kristine Fontaine Trulock
June Grant
June 15, 2020
Loved that man!! No one loved children of Somersworth more!!
Gregory Ball
June 15, 2020
To the Hilliard family
It comes with great sadness on hearing of Gordie's passing I grew up with many memories and different occasions having worked with him at the Rec Dept for Sandy Armstrong and then coaching with him woman's softball in Rollinsford but most of all his nights in the basketball gym when I was reffing and he and Dennis Flanagan enjoyed picking on me.
He was that person who also donated time if you asked him.
May God Bless and watch over all of you in your time of need.
Sincerely
Gregory Ball
Greg and Lisa Patch
June 15, 2020
So long old friend. Lisa and I had the privilege of working with Gordie in our younger years and being able to catch up with him once in a while in our adult lives. Ever the gentleman and always a story. A true Hilltopper and sweet soul. Fly high!
Michael Watman
June 15, 2020
It was such a pleasure to have known this caring, giving man. My sincere condolences go out to all his wonderful family members.
Mike Powers
June 15, 2020
Though small in stature, he was an enormous individual who could be gruff at times yet had a most soft heart. He cared deeply for people, particularly kids, and touched the lives so many of them at SMS. Like it was yesterday, I can still hear his voice coming through the office door snarling "where's Mr. Powers!!" as he blew by Koufie and Martha straight to my office. Once inside however, all he wanted to do was talk with his heart and his soul. A true original, he will be missed by many.
Godspeed, Gordie.
Jeff & Kathy Francoeur
June 15, 2020
Joanne, Kim, Danny, Dana, Kerri and families - We are so sorry to hear of Gordy's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I was on that first St. Martins basketball team that Gordy coached 47 years ago and our paths have crossed ever since. He coached both my daughters and I had the pleasure of coaching his grand daughter. We shared a passion for coaching basketball and many laughs along the ways. A few arguments as well, which he usually won! He was a good man and will be missed.
Jamie Steffen
June 15, 2020
One of the faces of Somersworth. I enjoyed working with Gordie during my time as City Planner and seeing him on the courts and playing fields through the years.
He will be missed.
My condolences to his family.
Megan Babel
June 15, 2020
Dana and family - I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Coach Gordie. I will always remember him when i was at school. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time
Dana Dube
June 15, 2020
Gordie was a great guy. His passion for coaching, and developing his players was obvious each and every day. Besides being a friend, I reffereed many of his basketball games over the years and his passion OFTEN showed up with that look or grumbling at a call he didn't quite see it as I did!! Once the game was over, he was back to his office and get ready for his next project and we would share some laughs!
Heaven is where he belongs, and his incredibly supportive wife and family can look to the heavens each day and smile up at the Gordo!! Rest in peace my good man..Dana & Shelly Dube
Elizabeth
June 15, 2020
im sorry for your loss and I remember Gordie from when I was in middle school. You will be missed by so many
Pat Pineo
June 15, 2020
So sorry to hear of Gordies passing. Worked with him many years ago at the Somersworh housing authority. He was such a nice man. Thoughts and prayers w the family.
Joe Couture
June 15, 2020
To Joanne, Kim, Danny,Dana and Kerri:
We want to express our sympathy to all of you for the loss of Gordie. He was so dedicated to your family and to the kids of Somersworth. I so enjoyed working with him at the Somersworth Housing Authority. We shared many great and fun times. I also appreciated his coaching of my daughters. They adored Gordie and had so much fun. There wasnt a basketball referee who wasnt challenged by Gordie for the sake of his team. I hope that you all heal quickly and remember the laughter that his life brought to everyone. Our best to all of you.
Joe and Debby Couture
lisa bonneau
June 15, 2020
well good ole Gordy it has been a heck of a ride for two years. I am still waiting for my anniversary gift but all is forgiven. Tom and I love you very much and are very sad. We are grateful you are finally at peace and we will be forever grateful for your family to allow us to be apart of your care. Tom has nobody else to pick on anymore just me, wish me luck. You are an amazing man and Joanne is an amazing woman the love you two share I can only hope Tom and I have the same . We love you and miss you see you on the other side love Tom and "shake and Bake" lisa
Gil Cartier
June 15, 2020
So many memories of Gordie, going way back to our Rolinsford Softball and Somersworth Adult Basketball days. Just a great, caring person who was always ready to help in any situation. He will definitely be missed. Deepest sympathies and condolences to his family. May the Good Lord Jesus help see you through this difficult time and may He bless you all.
Jim & Lori Hennelly
June 15, 2020
To the Hilliard Family,
Gordy will be missed. Every time I ran into him around town he was always smiling, ready to tell me a story . I enjoyed talking with him throughout the years.
Lisa Payeur
June 14, 2020
Dana, Sean, and family: I am sorry to learn of "Gordie's" passing. When I taught at Somersworth High School, I soon heard about the legendary "Gordie," from the students with special needs on my caseload. Many students with Developmental Disabilities have an incredible ability to recognize when a person truly cares about them, and I observed and heard about how much they loved Gordie. Whenever they were moving between the middle school and high school and saw him, he always took the time to stop and talk with them which would make their day. The same was true when we might take students out into the community; it was always a special surprise to see him. While out, some students would point out his house as we drove by. He clearly had a strong, positive impact on them, as well as so many other youngsters over the years. I don't believe Gordie will be forgotten anytime soon by all those he touched. I hope that their memories and yours support you through this difficult time. He is at peace.
YOUR SISTER-IN-LAW CONNIE
June 14, 2020
I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU GORDON
Margaret Hall
June 14, 2020
I always remembered Gordies smiling face when we passed in the halls. He always made me laugh. What more can you ask for?
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