Obituary published on Legacy.com by Brickman Bros. Funeral Home - Willoughby on Oct. 1, 2024.
Austin Alan Hill, born November 1, 1991, in Cleveland, Ohio, a resident of Boardman, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on September 19, 2024, at the age of 32.
Austin is survived by his proud parents, Alan C. Hill of Concord Township, Ohio, and April C. (nee Shank) Hill of South Tampa, Florida; Uncles: Gary (Palma) Hill, Dennis (Carmela) Hill, and Mark (Leona) Shank; dear friend and stepmother: Kristina Siupinys (Hill); Cousins: Lauren (Hill) Cohen, Spencer Hill, Jarad Hill, Mathew Hill, Erica (Shank) Patterson, Laura (Shank) Replogle, Heather (Shank) Stucky, Jeremy Shank, and Ryan Shank; Many other uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends of the Hill, Shank, Pawlak, Moore, Campbell, and Anderson families; Austin's amazing friends from all walks of life; Austin's outstanding colleagues from the restaurant industry; And his handsome gray cat, Sammy.
Austin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Cecil and Elaine Hill of Willoughby Hills, Ohio; Great-great-aunt Helen (Pawlak) Drescoe (Austin was her favorite; everyone knew it too); Grandparents Lawrence and Ethel Shank of Masury, Ohio; Uncle Larry Shank, Jr.; Uncle Jeffrey Shank
Austin graduated from Hubbard High School in 2010 and went on to study at Kent State University and Youngstown State University. He worked in the restaurant industry since high school, most recently with the management team at Condado in Boardman, Ohio, and frequently helped other restaurants of the franchisor. He was known for making people feel comfortable, and his smile made every workday better. Colleagues often sought his compassionate and honest advice, no matter the situation.
Austin had a passion for sports. As a child, he loved playing baseball with Grandma and Grandpa Hill in their backyard and tackle football in their living room. He would often recruit anyone nearby for a game of catch with one of his "hundreds" of footballs, or baseballs. Pickup basketball games with his friends were a staple of his afterschool and weekend activities, when not getting into mischief, including cherished games he played on a trip to Europe. He learned that sports are a universal language, bridging gaps across cultures.
Golf was another passion of Austin's; he took lessons at a young age and played four years on the Hubbard High School golf team. His regular participation in the Campbell Cup golf tournament as his dad's partner created lasting memories. He enjoyed trips to various courses with his friends, he even preferred rounds without cell phones, allowing conversations and laughter to take center stage. Austin's competitive spirit was balanced by his generosity in giving compliments to fellow players, making each outing memorable.
Austin's sports knowledge was encyclopedic; he could rattle off team statistics, players' histories, and game rules with ease. While he supported local teams like the Guardians, Browns, and Cavaliers, his unwavering loyalty to the Denver Broncos and John Elway set him apart in Northeast Ohio. He once wore his Broncos jersey to a Browns game, facing the fans with a smile and witty comebacks.
His collection of jerseys was legendary, featuring everything from obscure players to memorable sports movies, and hard to find jerseys. Each piece sparked conversations and brought smiles to those around him. With his experience in the restaurant industry, Austin became an excellent cook and mixologist, delighting friends and family with unique dishes and creative drinks. A holiday gathering in the kitchen with Austin was always a highlight, as he transformed any meal into a festive occasion.
Austin had a talent for quoting movies, and his perfectly timed lines added joy to every moment spent in his company. He enjoyed all genres of music, seamlessly transitioning from classic rock to current hits, and he was never shy about stepping up to sing karaoke during nights out with friends. His generosity extended to quietly donating to charities, buying raffle tickets at fundraisers and outings, and volunteering at local food banks, showcasing his compassionate spirit.
Austin was deeply loved by friends and family for his genuine kindness and unwavering support. He was always there for others, embodying the values of empathy and understanding. Like everyone, he had his faults, but he worked hard to learn from his mistakes and improve himself-a lesson he instilled in those who knew him.
Calling hours are Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 12 Noon to 3:00 PM at Brickman Brothers Funeral Home, 37433 Euclid Ave.,
Willoughby, Ohio 44094, followed by a funeral service at the same location starting at 3:00 PM. Friends and family are also invited to a continued celebration of Austin's life. The details of this gathering will be announced during the week of calling hours.