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Philip Hill Obituary

(Home News Tribune)

PHILIP HILL
AGE: 62 EAST BRUNSWICK
Philip Joseph Hill, 62, departed this earth on the morning of Wednesday, October 22, 2008, to be with his loved ones that went before him, at Raritan Bay Hospital in Old Bridge.
Born on May 22, 1946, in New Brunswick, he resided in East Brunswick for 36 years.
He began his career as a Middlesex County Senior Probation Officer in New Brunswick. While working in probation, he founded and directed Middlesex County Probation Incentive Program Promoting Individual Needs (PIPPIN), an organization whose goal was to motivate high school dropouts to return to their education and find employment. He was also employed as director of Union County Juvenile Detention Center and Assistant Commissioner of Juvenile Justice in New York City under Mayor Ed Koch's administration. He was the first black chief probation officer of Atlantic County and from there he became the director of Juvenile Intensive Supervision Program (JISP) of the offices of the Courts of the State of New Jersey, retiring in August of 2007.
Phil was very active in the local communities of East Brunswick and South River, where he served as the final president of the Parents Scholarship Committee, an organization founded by his mother, Carrie B. Hill. Phil was a sports broadcast analyst for East Brunswick cable station Channel 8/EB3 and South River Comcast TV35. He was a volunteer for the East Brunswick Friends of the Library, and coached East Brunswick Baseball and Pop Warner Football. Phil was also an active participant with the South River Recreation Program. In 1978, he was honored by New Jersey Association of Black Social Workers, Middlesex-Somerset Division, as its "Outstanding Black Citizen" of the Year.
He was educated in the South River school system , graduating from South River High School in 1966, where he participated in football, basketball and track and field. Phil attended Allen University in Columbia, S.C., earning his B.A. degree in Sociology in 1970. While at Allen, he was a member of Groove Phi Groove National Fraternity, and was a member of the college football team.
He was a lifelong member of the Union Baptist Church, South River.
He will be sadly missed by those he leaves behind, his wife of 40 years, Sandra Pearson Hill; a daughter, Michelle Hill Klausner (Jon); a son, Philip Justin "Juice" Hill; two grandchildren, Madison and Mason Klausner; four brothers, Malik Hamid (Selmah) of Orange, Carl of South River, Max Jr. of New Brunswick, and Troy (Lisa) of New Kensington, Pa.; three sisters, Yvonne Hill of South River, Bridget Hill of East Brunswick, and Phyllis Hill of South River; a godson, Scott Harris of Maryland, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.
Arrangements are by Anderson Funeral Service, 201 Sandford St., New Brunswick.
Service is at 11 a.m. Wednesday, at Union Baptist Church, 76 Washington St., South River. Viewing is from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday, at the church. Burial is at Franklin Memorial Park Cemetery, North Brunswick.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Home News Tribune on Oct. 26, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Hill

Not sure what to say?





Bob Lanes

October 20, 2021

Phil was a very good friend, who after I taught him to play chess, he constantly beat me.

Mary DeLeo

October 20, 2020

Phil’s obit along with many tender Sentiments came across messages on my phone today. Hard to believe he passed 12 years ago this year. I said a prayer for him and for his family today.

Judy Kozak

November 15, 2008

I just recently heard of Phil's passing. My family and I love the Hill Family and send our love and condolences to all of them.

Milton W. kelley

November 13, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Barbra (Osterman) Tomaszewski

November 3, 2008

Sandy and family,
My husband and I both attended high school with Phil. Our prayers are with you. May the Lord comfort and bring you the peace that passes all understanding. Tommy and Barbra (Osterman) Tomaszewski

Margaret Ward

November 1, 2008

Sandra, Michelle and Justin,

I was so sadden to hear of the passing of Philip. My entire family will forever be grateful in the pleasure of knowing and loving Philip.. Philip could not have loved my boys any more even if they had belonged to the two of you.. Philip is one of those people that I call "Quiet Thunder".. I pray for your strength in the upcoming weeks and months to come.. Someone like Philip will not be easy to forget.. Continue to trust in God and lean to him in your darkest and saddest days.. Sandra I love you !!!

Alyce Myatt

November 1, 2008

To the Hill Family,
Ever since I became a friend of Yvonne’s I’ve always been made to feel like an “honorary Hill.” The holiday dinners, the weddings, and yes, the funerals have been a significant part of my life for more than 30 years with Philip, Sandra and the kids contributing to my being embraced as “family.” The loss of Phil is as devastating to me as if I had lost one of my own brothers. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and I share my hope that our grief transforms into peace.

Beth Lanes Battinelli

October 30, 2008

When I first met Phil he had just started working with my father at the Middlesex County Probation Department. One afternoon I came home and Phil Hill was sitting with my parents at the dining room table. I remember how comfortable it felt in our dining room that day and after that on every other day our paths crossed. Phil was always smart and quick; warm and witty. Many years after Middlesex County Probation Department, I ran into Phil. It was so much fun to see him! He was the kind of person that made you feel as if you saw him yesterday, not 35 years ago.

Sandra, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Portia Williams

October 30, 2008

To the Family of Phil Hill
I am very sorry for your loss. Phil and I worked together back in 1974 for the Middlesex County Probation Department and it was a pleasure. I'll never forget the time when he arranged for his brother in law Drew Pearson to come to the office to sign autographs and that was a joy. Phil would always make me laugh. He was the type of person that loved to joke and tease and that's what i liked about him. He was also a very sincere type of guy. I will always remember him for the kind person that he was. May God Bless the Family and no matter how hard it might be stay strong family and stick together, especially for your mom. She will need you the most.

Christine Mickey-Searight

October 30, 2008

Sandra, Michele & Justin,
My deepest sympathy go out to you during your time of bereavement. Phil was such a good person he will truly be missed by many. We miss you all, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Stay Blessed.
Chrissy, Rayvan & Rayneisha

Beverly Murphy

October 29, 2008

To the Hill Family

I was saddened to hear of your loss. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. My deepest condolences to you and your family in this time of sorrow. God bless.

Adrienne Hall

October 29, 2008

Juice, my deepest condolences go out to you and your family. Though I am not there in body, my heart is there and I am with you in spirit. I'm never more than a phone call away.

Denee Sanders

October 29, 2008

To the Family of Phillip J. Hill:
I was extremely shocked to hear of the news about Phil. I have known Phil for quite some time as well as various members of the Hill Family. Working at JISP some years ago Phil always had a smile for you or words of encouragement. Family, may God pour his comfort and strength upon you at this time.

JEANNETTE James

October 29, 2008

May God bless you during your time of loss. When dawn is breaking, may sadness subside, and in your troubled heart may peace and comfort reside.

Janice Clark

October 29, 2008

To the Hill Family I am so sorry for your loss just remember he is in a better place and has to suffer no more. My prayers are with you. Be blessed

Sonja Asante

October 29, 2008

Sandy, Michelle & Justin,
The world has lost a wonderful man in Phil. He was my boss, mentor and friend during the 9 years I worked with JISP. His mentorship helped to move my career forward. I will always remember Phil as a warm, fair & generous man, full of encouragement and laughter. He was a proud husband, father and grandfather, and spoke often and lovingly about his family.
May God's peace and your happy memories of Phil sustain you during this time.

D Williams

October 29, 2008

May God give you the peace and comfort that can come only from Him. A part of Phil's legacy will always be his kind and gentle spirit. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Eric Hall

October 29, 2008

May God's bountiful grace illuminate your journey onward.

MR. & Mrs. Chester Smith

October 28, 2008

To The Hill Family

Our deepest sympathy for you during your time of loss.

Catherine Renee Johnson

October 28, 2008

I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Philip. I had only just begun to know him and his family at the family reunion and now the circle is broken. I am glad for the short time that I did get to share with him on such a joyous occasion, and once again this tragic loss enphasies the need of family reunions. My love and prayers are with you as allways.

Eddie Cicchi

October 28, 2008

I was shocked to learn of Phil's passing. I consider myself lucky to always have had him in my life somewhere. If it wasn't a work situation, it was coaching at South River or a discussion about some similar interest. Of all of these, I count the fact that he was my friend as the most important. I will pray for him and his family, knowing that he is certainly in heaven making everyone smile

Karen Knowles (Pawlukewich)

October 28, 2008

To the Hill Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Phil enters into my discussions with my family and friends quite often. He was such a kind and gentle man. Phil and I worked together at Probation Services (in its early days) immediately after my college days. He was such a great influence on my career choices. We will all miss him greatly, until we meet again. The world has lost a true "gentleman."

Dannetta White

October 28, 2008

To The Hill Family:

You have my sincere sympathy for your loss. Mr. Hill was a mentor for my son and a friend. We worked together briefly at the AOC, he will truly be missed. May God bless you and your family. God bless.

Bob Lanes

October 28, 2008

Dear Sandra, The Lanes family, Beth, Sue, Cathy, and Bob Jr. as well as mom and dad were all special fans of the Hill family. Phil was truly special. Phil and I enjoyed South River football and shared the excitement of our special players, Troy, Max, and Bob. But most of all our close relationship developed during Phil's tenure at the Middlesex County Probation Department. He was liked by everyone and loved by many. We lost direct contact after Cathy and I relocated to Florida, but our daughters, Sue and Beth kept us informed of some of Phil's activities. Our prayers are with you and the family for Phil Hill.

Peter Cartwright

October 28, 2008

Dear Hill family
I just wanted you all to know how sorry I am to hear of Mr Hills passing.
I will never forget your 4th of July parties and or the football on the side of the house.May GOD help you to rember and never forget all the good and people Mr Hill touched in his lifetime.

Barnett Hoffman

October 27, 2008

I was deeply saddened by Phil's passing. I knew him when I was a Superior Court Judge in Middlesex County. He was a role model for all probation officers. He did a wonderful job, and I'm sure saved a lot of lives. He also was a guest lecturer with Mary DeLeo when I taught at Rutgers. You have much to be proud of. His memory should be a strength to you during this difficult time.

Audrey Rigsbee

October 27, 2008

To the Hill Family:
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Phil was a wonderful mentor and friend. I count myself truly blessed to have known him. He will truly be missed. My deepest sympathies for your loss.

Claudia McMenamin

October 27, 2008

Dear Sandra & all the Hill family,
My prayers are with you all. Phil was one of the warmest, kindest, smartest men I knew. He welcomed me into the Probation "family" in 1976
in New Brunswick. My late husband, Raymond Kearney(retired PPO II) was also a great admirer of Phil. This world has lost a wonderful truly good, person.

Linda Wald (Ruch)

October 27, 2008

To Phil's family I send my heartfelt condolences in this time of sorrow. I worked with Phil during our early days in Probation. He was always a true inspiration and a good friend.

Mary DeLeo

October 27, 2008

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Phil's death. We went back a long way. I met Phil when I was a new Probation Officer in Middlesex County. He was already a star and was appointed to help run a new juvenile program. Little did I know we would cross each others' paths at the state level, eventual working together at the AOC Probation Services. He often volunteered to help wherever needed and especially loved teaching the new Probation Officers.
He loved his family and talked about singing at his daughter's wedding, though we could never get him to sing at our office celebrations! I pray for you, his family, at such a great loss, still knowing he is safely in his Father's Hands. God bless you all

Patt Fowler

October 27, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss. Phil was always a great friend to me, personally and professionally. I knew him from Pippin & later followed in his footsteps to work at AOC Probation Services. He was a wonderful inspiration to my son, Zac, and our entire family shares your loss. Blessed be, Phil.

Mary James

October 27, 2008

My deepest condolence to the Hill family. Phil was always so kind from the first day I met him at Probation Services. He will be greatly missed. May God Bless and Comfort you always.

Noel Gibson

October 27, 2008

My condolences to the family of Phil Hill. I was employed with Phil at the AOC and enjoyed working with Phil for many years. We suffered a great loss, however, we know that God never makes a mistake. I was blessed to have the priviledge of working with Phil. May God continue to bless your family.
With great sympathy.

Brenda Lee

October 27, 2008

To the Hill Family
The walk of faith is one of knowing God as a friend and understanding him. Although human understanding of God will always be limited.
My prayers are with your family for this great loss of your loved one, with sympathy may God Bless you all.

Sylvia L. Ashford-O'Connor

October 27, 2008

Phil and I worked together in Middlesex County as probation officers and with the PIPPIN Program. One thing for sure, if you were in the room with him there was laughter, joking, and a big smile on his face. But when it was time to get serious he was ready to take care of business. Phil had the ability to reach the most troubled members of society without making them feel like they were beneath him. When ever I had a meeting in Trenton I would poke my head in his office and we would talk first about the "good old days" and then about "current events". To the family; take all the time you need to heal and mend your broken hearts. I'm sure that the loss of your husband, father,and brother wounds your hearts beyond comprehension.

Clete Davis

October 27, 2008

Phil Hill came to work with the staff of the then DOC, Division of Junvenile Services (Stuyvesant Project). He was a breath of fresh air. He was always willing to share information, as well as, teach those of us who were new to the field of juvenile justice. He had a great sense of humor and a ready smile!

My condolences and prayers to Phil's family. He will be missed by many!

Robin Brandon

October 27, 2008

Dearest Hill Family,
I was saddened to hear about the passing of Phil & wanted you all to know that you are in my thoughts & prayers. May God bless you with comfort & support from those who love you so very much.
With Sympathy,
Robin Harris Brandon
(Mrs. Ethel Harris' granddaughter)

Adrienne Baker

October 27, 2008

My father (Wilbur Dicks) and Phil worked together at the Juvenile Detention Center back in the late eighties and nineties. My father mentioned to Phil that I needed a job for the summer before I left for college and Phil hired me right after I graduated from High School in June 1988. What a wonderful Boss! He taught me so much as I worked as his Secretary for the summer. I later went on to college and became very close friends with his wifes cousin Lisa Mickey. I saw Phil in March of this year at Queenie Mickey's retirement dinner. I am so glad that God gave me the opportunity to talk to him one last time.

I was so saddened to hear about Phil's death. I just want to let the family know that God blessed you with a great man who accomplished so many things in his life. May you find peace in knowing that God is a comforter.

May God bless you all.

Eugene Petrov

October 27, 2008

I knew Mr. Hill for a short time in Atlantic County, but he did make an impression as an outstanding person with integrity and a friendly disposition. I am sorry to hear of his untimely departure from this life, but as a believer in the Lord I know that he is in a better place. May the Lord bring you the consolation that you need in at this time.

Kevin Brown

October 27, 2008

My life has been forever changed largely due to Philip J. Hill. He was my former boss, leader, mentor and friend. He afforded me the opportunity to come to the Administrative Office of the Courts and join JISP in 1993. That move was the catalyst to my professional development. Thanks Phil!

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. May God grant you peace during this most difficult time.

Brian Rivers

October 27, 2008

To The Family of Phil Hill
May God bless all of you during this time of bereavement.
Sincerely yours,
Brian Rivers

Tisha Williams

October 27, 2008

To The Family of Phil Hill
God bless you during this difficult time of bereavement.
Sincerely, Tisha Williams

Diane Jenkins

October 27, 2008

To The Family of Phil Hill
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy will cometh in the morning. God Bless All of You!
Sincerely, Diane Jenkins

Lori Bender

October 27, 2008

To Sandee and family, May your strong faith carry you through this very painful time. With Love and Prayers, Lori

Ronald/Yvonne Bright

October 27, 2008

It is with great sadness in which I express the loss of a good friend as Philip Hill. Our families experienced the early years of our lives together, and a true closeness has always abided within us. Although we've all grown and journeyed down different paths in our lives, we've always remained as South River family. I extend my sincere condolences to the Hill and Pearson families. There will always be that strong friendship that has been blessed by our Heavenly Father. May He bestow upon each of you the strength to get through this difficult time in your lives and bless you with peace in the days ahead.
With Sincerity and Love Always,
Ronald & Yvonne Bright & Sons

Doug Susan and Family

October 27, 2008

To the Hill Family:

I am so sorry for your loss and pray that God may comfort you in this difficult time. Phil was always a very special man. His life should be measured not by the bounty of his harvest, but rather by the glorious seeds he laid as he journeyed here on Earth. With a quick smile, a welcoming handshake and kind words of advice, he touched many. And he will be missed by many. May you find strength and peace in the Lord Jesus Christ.

JUDY SQUASHIC

October 27, 2008

Sandra,
I send heart felt sympathy to you and your family.....

Carmen Camacho

October 27, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Patricia Hornlein

October 27, 2008

Dear Sandy, michelle and juice, All of our hearts have been touched by the grace of your beloved phil. He was a very gental and kind man, In all the years we have been together he has been a giant in all of our lives. So many looked up to him. We are all so proud to have known him and blessed to have been a part his life. He will be sadly mised by all.
Please know that he will never be forgotten and has touch so many lives in his short time here with all of us.
We love you all, and may god bless you in this very diffucult time. love always the Hornlein family

Lisa (Hill) Taylor

October 27, 2008

I met Phil back in 2001 when I worked for Probation. We used to joke ALL the time about being related because of some many similiarities in our family history like: My father's name was Joseph Carrie Hill, he was born in Macon, Ga., and the fact that he looked like on of our "Hill" family. My father was also 62 when he passed in 1996 of a heart attack. My most deepest sympathies go out to all of you and I pray that you will continue to find all the strength you need in The Lord.

John Meggiolaro

October 27, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sandy and the family during this most difficult time. Phil was one of the true gentleman of this world; kind, caring and loving toward everyone he met. We will forever remember his smile and laugh. May he rest in peace.

Ziggy Biernacki

October 26, 2008

To the Family and Friends of Phil:

I am so saddened and shocked to hear of Phil’s passing. My heart goes out to you and to your children and the rest of Phil’s family and friends. I wish you all the strength to get through this difficult time and hope that soon your pain and sorrow will be replaced with loving memories and peace.

Phil was a wonderful friend to me who will always be remembered and alive in my memories. He was a caring, inspiring man who always took the time when he saw you in town to stop, say hello and talk to you about what was going on.

Back in the 60's and 70's, I grew up with Phil’s sister Bridget and his brothers Max, Troy and Carl. Please accept my sincere condolences.

God bless you.

Shari Briggs-Edwards

October 26, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Eric & Veronica, Allen, Ricky Hall

October 26, 2008

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Phil will always be alive in our hearts and memories. Phil was a wonderful, kind person, who dedicated his life to helping and inspiring so many around him. A life well lived.
May God carry you through your grief.

Shelah (Michelle)Briggs & Robert White

October 26, 2008

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Gene & Paulette Owens

October 26, 2008

Sandra, Michelle and Justin,

We are truly saddened to hear of the sudden loss of Phil. We pray that God will hold, keep and strengthen each of you as you bear the burden of his loss. Be encouraged that he is with the Lord and his memories will always be with you. We love you and our prayers are with you.

Wilma Brownlee

October 26, 2008

Family and Friends of Phil,
My Deepest Sympathy. By God's grace we will be comforted.

JoAnn Baldwin

October 26, 2008

To Family and Friends of Philip Hill,

I wanted to be there to give my love and support, but I am unable to travel at this time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers every day.
You will find strength in your faith, comfort and peace in God's love.
We love ya,
Ken & JoAnn (Washington) Baldwin
Aiken, SC

Millicent Garland

October 26, 2008

Family & friends of Phil:

May God give you his peace that transcends all understanding thru his Son Jesus Christ.
Love ya
Milly,Clarence & Derek

Jeffrey Susan

October 26, 2008

Our family's grew up together and we played sports with Phil's brothers Max and Troy. South River loses a great man in Phil Hill and he will be sadly missed.Our Deepest Sympathy.The Susan Family in Tennessee.

Diane Greene (Foster)

October 26, 2008

Our prayers are with you in this time of need. The Greene Family of CT

Ralph Stanzione, Jr.

October 26, 2008

I worked with Phil at PIPPIN in 1977, he was a caring, fun loving person, whom I have always remembered; his accomplishments will leave a footprint on this earth and he is probably already working with the hand of the lord above. Remember him as he would have desired and his loss will be easier to understand.

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