Frank R. Hill Jr., age 89, of Maynard, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 19, 2020. Frank was the loving husband of Barbara Anne (Grant) Hill. Born in Boston, MA, on December 16, 1931, the son of the late Frank R. Sr. and Pauline F. (Murphy) Hill. Raised and educated in Boston, Frank graduated from Boston English High School (1949). He attended Boston University, earning Bachelor's (1953) and Master's Degrees in Education (1959). Frank and Barbara were childhood friends marrying on December 26, 1953, while Frank was on leave from the United States Marine Corps. The couple settled in Maynard in 1961 to raise their growing family together. Frank spent his early career as a physical education teacher and coach in Jonesport, ME, Chelmsford, and Weston before becoming the principal of Maynard's Green Meadow Elementary School in 1978. Mr. Hill was a pillar of the education community in Maynard. He stood outside and greeted his students as they emptied off the school buses every day, always with a smile, his classic sweater, and a wise beard. Mr. Hill retired in 1993 but remained a big part of the Maynard community. He loved his town serving on multiple school building committees, the Conservation Commission, and the Library's Board of Trustees. His family was very important to Frank, and he was a regular presence at all of his children's and grandchildren's concerts, plays, and sporting events. He loved sharing his passion for woodworking with family, friends, and the community. Wooden toys became his specialty under the imprint of Ganky's Workshop. A proud supporter of the WAVM Beacon Santa Telethon, his wooden toys were auction item staples for many years. During retirement, Frank and Barbara loved to travel. They enjoyed hitting the open road with their camper, visiting all of the lower 48 and parts of Canada. They also enjoyed cruises making it to Alaska and Hawaii, and much of Europe. Frank is survived by his wife Barbara A. Hill of Maynard, MA; his children Robert W. Hill and wife Anita Stevanazzi-Hill of Maynard, MA; James R. Hill and partner Nancy Stadler of New Boston, NH; Peter M. Hill and wife Alka Patel-Hill of Leominster, MA; F. Daniel Hill and wife Phing Hill of Hubbardston, MA; Andrea J. McGrath of Orange, MA; his brother Richard E. Hill of Carver, MA; and his six grandchildren. Due to the current restrictions, Frank's burial at Glenwood Cemetery will be private. A fitting celebration of Frank's life will be held at a later date. Gift's in his memory may be made to WAVM Beacon Santa Telethon. Please make checks out to?Beacon Santa?and send them to WAVM, c/o Beacon Santa Telethon, 1 Tiger Drive, Maynard MA, 01754. Arrangements under the care of Fowler-Kennedy Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, Maynard. To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit: www.fowler-kennedy.com.

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Published by The Beacon-Villager from Dec. 23, 2020 to Jan. 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Hill

Sponsored by Fowler-Kennedy Funeral Home.

18 Entries

Jane Biagi (Alatalo)

February 7, 2021

Very sad to learn of Mr. Hill's death. I believe he was my mom's boss at some point, as she taught/worked in the Green Meadow library at one point. He was a true staple in the Maynard education system and a great advocate for students. He will be dearly missed. God bless him.

Shayna Garlisi

February 6, 2021

I came to the Fowler-Kennedy website to check in on my father's obituary page and saw that Mr. Hill had passed away. I send along my condolences to his family and would like to share one of my fondest memories of my very first principal, Mr. Hill. On a hot fall day of my kindergarten year, I was brought back to school on the bus after no one was at the bus stop to meet me. Mr. Hill was still at school and couldn't get an answer on the phone when he called my home. He had me hop in his car (it was the 80s, these things went unquestioned back then) and drove me home. We then found my mom frantically trying to get my toddler-aged brother to unlock the car he had locked himself into. Mr. Hill stayed with us and helped my mom and a Maynard police officer break into our house to get the spare car keys. I will never forget the day I got to get a ride home in my principal's car. I thought I was the coolest kid in school! Since becoming an educator myself, I have worked with dozens of principals, and Mr. Hill was definitely one of the greatest.

Thomas Schofield

January 30, 2021

I met Frank in 3rd grade 1966 at Woodland school in Weston. He was respectfully called Coach Hill back then. My mom was the school secretary and dad was WW2 marine vet. We formed a strong bond in the ensuing 4 years unlike most teachers who are 1 and done. He established a legendary after school sports tournament called crack a bout that is still talked about over 50 years later at reunions. He was well remembered and I'm so happy to learn he had such a productive and happy later life. He earned it. My condolences to the entire family. I wish I'd had more teachers like him.

Walter Row

January 30, 2021

Back when I was in grade school in Weston during the mid-1960s, Frank Hill was our beloved gym teacher, after-school sports and head life guard at the town pool. Of all the wonderful and dedicated teachers I had over the years, I can honestly say there was something truly special and outstanding about this man, something a 9 year and his fellow classmates could understood very well. Please notify me of any future gatherings in commemoration of Frank's life.

Lynn Lane

January 17, 2021

I was one of the students at Green Meadow School he was a great principal and his wife was a great teacher she was my kindergarten teacher he will be missed my condolences to Mrs Hill he was well known in Maynard in the school community and loved by so many

Brian Bardon

January 5, 2021

Auntie, and the cousins, Frank will be missed. I will miss him for being a true Patriot. Loving America, and the love that he had for the Marines(even though they are the little brothers of the Navy hahaha). He brought a lot of insight too Teresa, and myself when we found out that our children had a learning disability. He told me to never give up on them. They turned out too be very smart adults. Another remembrance will be from Vermont. Going over to Bill Jackson's trailer on Sunday afternoons and watching the Pats on a tiny screen. I would be the lucky one to hold the antenna while Frank, Dad, Kenny Korch, Wally, and Bill Jackson would be telling stories, and drinking beer. Remember the good times.

Carole Koptiew

December 29, 2020

Dear Barbara and Family, I was so very saddened to hear of Frank's passing. My deepest sympathy to you all. I will always remember his kindness to me and his support of music. He treated his staff at Green Meadow with real respect. Both of you touched the lives of so many. Thinking of you all, and sending you much love at this difficult time.

Stephen McQuiggan

December 28, 2020

To the HIll Family
Wishing the Family peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. Mr. Hill was the cornerstone of the Maynard school system for many years and a large part of our neighborhood. So many memories growing up in Sun Valley Maynard. Love The McQuiggan’s. Friend neighbor

Mark Gorman

December 27, 2020

Best principal ever! Growing up in the same neighborhood, we frequently say Frank walk by the house. He also made it clear, "don't call him Mr. Hill", lol. He was always so friendly to my dad whenever he came by. The world lost a great man. My condolences to the entire Hill family.

John Martucci

December 26, 2020

Barbara so sorry for your loss.john was shocked when I told him. He thought a lot of him. He enjoyed working for him at green meadow. Prayers to you & your family. He was the best.

gina and chuck partain

December 26, 2020

so sorry to hear of your loss.. Mr. Hill was a wonderful principal and fond memories of Ganky's workshop toys.. send prayers

Bonnie Ewing

December 25, 2020

I remember Mr. Hill fondly, he made the best star trek wooden communicators, and swat guns. Those were the days. Rest in peace and love to the family.

David Parker

December 24, 2020

Sending my most heartfelt sympathy,
My deepest gratitude for being one of the countless many who's life has been touched and shaped by Mr and Mrs Hill.

Brenda Gonzalez

December 24, 2020

To the family of Mr.Hill sorry for the loss. Going to miss him he was the best principal. Wow

Susan Haywood Wright

December 24, 2020

To the Hill Family, My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your Husband /Dad , He was a monumental figure in my life as we grew up together and taught us a lot and then continued to touch my life in many ways by guiding my children through their school years . May all your memories keep him close in to your heart in these difficult times." Love Sue Haywood Wright and Family

Daughn Schiappa

December 23, 2020

Dear Mrs. Hill,
How sad it made me to see of Mr. Hills passing! I always thought of The Hills as being almost a single unit! I still have the beautiful cutting boards from Ganky's Worksop!
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Please give my best to Andrea!
Love, Daughn(The Cutting Corner).

Eliza "Binky" Tyler

December 22, 2020

Dan and the entire Hill Family ~ My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your Dad. He was a monumental figure in Maynard school system. May memories keep him close in these difficult times.

Herb Symes

December 22, 2020

Dear Barbara & Family,
My sincere condolences upon Frank's passing. I have many great memories of Frank, having worked for him as a P.E. teacher at Green Meadow. He was devoted to his students and staff and was always the consummate professional. He was great to work for and treated all with respect. He will be sincerely missed. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
Herb & Ann Symes

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