William "Jack" Hill

2/1/1927 - 12/26/2024

New London - After a long and fruitful life, William "Jack" Hill passed away peacefully at the age of 97. Jack was a school teacher, basketball coach, World War II veteran, husband and father who will be greatly missed. Whether it was raising six children with his wife Patricia "Pat," or teaching many of the schoolchildren in Montville or imparting his athletic experience and knowledge to his children and grandchildren, Jack lived fully each chapter of his life's book.

Jack was a 1945 graduate of Chapman Tech High School in New London. He then was drafted into the United States Army at the end of World War II. He and hundreds of other draftees marched down State Street in New London to embark on the trains that transported soldiers for training to serve in Europe where Jack helped in the reconstruction of post-war Germany.

Jack learned to play and honed his basketball skills on the old Harbor School playground in New London and eventually landed at the University of Southern Mississippi. At Southern Miss, Jack started as a forward and helped the team reach two post-season national tournaments. One of Jack's cherished memories occurred when his team won the championship at the Sun Carnival in El Paso, Texas in 1950, at that time a significant tournament in the college ranks.

After graduation, Jack returned to New London, and continued his basketball career, playing many years for the Lincoln Oilers in the City League. At that time the City League was actually one of a few semi-professional leagues operating in New England. They played their games at Ocean Beach, often before packed crowds. The Oilers became the dominant team of the 50s, and Jack was named first-team All-City League and All-League honors three times. He enjoyed the free heating oil provided as part of his contract, but enjoyed even more playing with friends from New London, including Billy Gardner and Art Quimby. In between Billy's Major League Baseball career, Jack and he became close friends, a friendship that lasted for 75 years.

Jack and Pat had six children, and Jack had a number of early work careers but eventually received his teachers certificate. He was a longtime teacher in the Montville school system, and assisted coaching basketball and football on the high school teams. During those years, Jack also became active with the Montville Recreation Commission and played an integral role in the acquisition and development of Camp Oakdale. Jack also coached his own children and grandchildren, many who played basketball in high school, collegiately, and at higher levels.

Jack leaves behind a legacy of a life well-lived, enjoying strong relationships with his children and grandchildren. Jack is survived by his wife, Pat, after 70 years of marriage. He is predeceased by his youngest son Mark. His is also survived by his oldest son Jeff and his wife Lynne of Baltic; daughter Susan and her husband Mark Stergio of Sarasota, Fla.; son Steven and wife Lucy of San Francisco, Calif.; son Michael and wife Melinda of Durham, N.C.; son David and wife Karyn of Glastonbury; and deceased son Mark's wife Jackie of East Lyme. Jack also leaves behind twelve grandchildren; and two great-grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, any donations in the name of William Hill may be sent to: Tommy Fund for Childhood Cancer; P.O. Box 8295, New Haven, CT 06530. Services will be private. Condolences may be shared on Mr. Hill's memorial page at neilanfuneralhome.com.