David Newhall Hill

David Newhall Hill

July 1, 1952 - July 6, 2025

David Newhall Hill died in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on July 6th, five days after his 73rd birthday. He died of complications from heart disease.

David was born in San Francisco in 1952, the only son of David Fentress Hill and Lita DiGrazia Hill. When his parents divorced in 1953 he was raised mostly by his mother, his grandparents, Mario and Eugenia DiGrazia, and an Italian nanny, Leia. When Lita Hill married Jack Vietor in 1958, the blended family divided its time between summers in La Jolla and school years in San Francisco.



David attended the Cathedral School for Boys, where he received the Bishop's Award, a prestigious recognition of students who excel academically, lead by example, serve the school community, and embody the school's values. David was very proud of this accomplishment.



David's passion for Asian art inspired him to open his own store, David Hill Asian Art, in Jackson Square in San Francisco. His sense of adventure drew him to driving motorcycles, flying planes, bodysurfing and exploring the wilds of Mexico. He loved to drive and owned many cars a turquoise twin engine Beechcraft Bonanza, a Triumph Bonneville Motorcycle and two vintage Airstream Trailers. David loved to play the guitar, backgammon, and the stock market. He built many houses and planted numerous gardens, which he tended with great pleasure.

He will be remembered as an Asian art connoisseur, pilot, fisherman, rancher, body surfer, guitar player, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.



David lived on a ranch in Jerome, Idaho, and in houses in Berkeley, La Jolla, San Francisco, Bolinas, and Puerto Vallarta. He also spent six years restoring and living in the Newhall Mansion in Piru, CA.



A gentle soul who loved walking his dog in Puerto Vallarta, David was insightful, charismatic and mischievous, with a sardonic wit and infectious laugh. He was loved by many and will be dearly missed.



His survivors include half-sisters Marion Hill and Francesca Vietor, half-brothers Jonathan, Marc and Christopher Vietor, cousins Peter and Derek DiGrazia, nieces Chiara DiGrazia Hertsgaard, Alexandra Newhall Brassey and nephew Hugo De Bernardo. He was predeceased by his parents, David Fentress Hill and Lita DiGrazia Vietor, stepfather, Jack Vietor, stepbrother Noel Vietor, and stepsister Mielle Vietor.



A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 27th at 2:00 PM at Grace Cathedral Church in San Francisco, with a reception to follow at the Fairmont Hotel.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family welcomes donations in David's memory to Musicians on Call or The Bolinas Museum.