John Hill

John Arthur Hill passed away on February 10, 2025, at his home in New Castle, New Hampshire. Born on August 31, 1943, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, John lived a life dedicated to education, exploration, faith and his family.

John earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies from Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, graduating in 1965. He also earned a Master of Education from The George Washington University in Washington D. C. The following year, he began a career as an educator with the Fairfax County Public Schools system in Virginia. Teaching social studies for many years, John later transitioned into administration as an assistant principal at a middle school. His commitment to education and community service spanned over two decades until his retirement in 1988.

Following retirement from education, John's love of travel led to a second career as a corporate travel agent in Washington, D.C. This role allowed him to explore the world while helping others do the same. In 2002, John retired fully and moved to his family home overlooking the Piscataqua River in New Castle, New Hampshire. He enjoyed his retirement by returning to New Castle Island and building great friendships on the seacoast and beyond. One of his favorite past times was sitting on the front porch overlooking the river and visiting with family and friends. Travel was one of John's greatest passions. He particularly loved visiting Ireland and England, often reflecting on his family's historical ties to both countries.

Faith played an essential role in John's life. A devout Catholic, he attended mass daily and was an active member of both St. Ignatius Parish in Somersworth, New Hampshire and Corpus Christi Parish in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. During his retirement, he lived out his faith in many ways, and was a friend to many, through his weekly visits and sharing meals.

John's role as an uncle was very dear to him and an important part of his life. He stepped into the role of a father figure to his niece and nephews when they were young children and continued that commitment throughout his entire life. He attended many baptisms, graduations, weddings, and family events all over the country through the years. Uncle John was dearly loved by his niece, nephews and their children who knew him as their uncle as well. His absence will be felt in our hearts forever.

John is survived by his cousin Natalie Keller of Beverly, Massachusetts; cousin Jeremy Keller of Istanbul, Turkey; sister-in-law Linda Yates of Crossville, Tennessee; niece Cynthia (Dave) Morrison of Chesapeake, Virginia; nephew Tim (Melinda) Grant of Carlsbad, California; and nephew Syd (Rhonda) Grant of Fort Worth, Texas; and many more grand nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur Dehon Hill, and Sally Fultz Hill.

A funeral mass will be held on May 3, 2025, at Holy Trinity Church, located at 404 High Street in Somersworth, New Hampshire at 2:00 PM. A private graveside service will be held for the family only, at the Riverside Cemetery in New Castle.

The family will receive friends with a visitation at the Farrell Funeral Home located at 684 State Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Friday, May 2nd from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm.