Fred

Fredrick Leslie Hill Jr. was born on November 22, 1933 in Smithboro, NY to Fredrick L Hill Sr and Nina Katherine (Woodruff) Hill-McCormick and went to be with his Lord on July 10, 2023.

Fred was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather spending his entire life taking care of those he dearly loved. He was a very generous man and often demonstrated this with his family, friends, and anyone he believed to be in need.

He entered the United States Navy on January 23, 1952, as an Engineer on the USS English 696 earning the rank of Petty Officer First Class and Honorably discharged on January 16, 1956. Upon leaving the service he began an apprenticeship with his Uncle Lisle Hill as a bricklayer. He worked with his uncle on many projects throughout the area including the sixth floor of the Robert Packer Hospital during which Dr. Guthrie would not vacate his room for the construction project. They took great care in creating a sealed area for Dr. Guthrie to stay in his hospital room while nurses attended to him.

The masonry skill he developed created a lifelong career in the construction business. He was employed by Edward L Nezelek General Contractors building the dorms at Binghamton University. His career took him to Murray Walter General Contracting where he was eventually promoted to Superintendent of many jobs throughout New York State. Two jobs he most enjoyed were working with the Army Corp of Engineers in the construction of the William Lordan Keller Army Hospital and the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex at the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY.

After leaving Murray Walter General Contracting, he ended his career after a brief partnership with Harmon Hill Construction where he completed several projects in upstate New York including the barrier dam at Sackets Harbor, New York.

Fred was a Free and Accepted Mason with Tioga Lodge #534 receiving a Dedicated Service Award on February 3, 1992. He was instrumental in the reconstruction of the Masonic Hall for Tioga Lodge in Smithboro, New York after it was destroyed by fire in 1972.

He was a life member of the Waverly VFW Post 8104 and Sayre American Legion Post 283. He and his wife Lois spent many happy years participating in events and time with special friends at these posts and other local veteran organizations.

Fred married the love of his life, Lois Irene Keene, on August 24, 1956, and settled in Smithboro, New York in his childhood home. They raised their family and resided in that home until 1989 when they moved to Barton, New York where eventually he built a little home for them to live out their final years. Fred and Lois spent many years traveling in their RV to Nascar racing, bluegrass festivals and winters in Florida. They made many special friends whom they enjoyed immensely. As a father, grandfather and great grandfather, Fred experienced much love, joy, and happiness in the presence of his children. These times were special to him, and he always expressed how “wonderful” it made him feel. He is loved beyond measure by his family.

Fred also enjoyed the simple things in life, sitting on his back porch, watching the birds, putting together a puzzle, and watching sports on TV, especially the NY Yankees and his favorite NY Mets. He spent many Sunday mornings watching Dr. David Jeremiah and Dr. Charles Stanley.

Fred is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, Lois K Hill; daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Audie Fisher; son Russell Hill; grandson Brian and Shannon Hill; granddaughter Joy Hill; granddaughter Angela

and Kris Engelbert; grandson Travis & Miranda Fisher, and great grandchildren Adam, Madalyn, Mollie, Oliver, Abigail, Emily, Isaac, Gavin, Maison, Rylee, Gia, Lincoln, Vivian, and Avery. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Elizabeth Birney, Louise Fay, and Mary Keene along with several cherished nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; in-laws Floyd & Susie Keene; son Floyd Hill; grandson Phelan Hill; brother David Hill; sisters Dolores Hall, Betty Maga, Ruth Conroy, and Yvonne Wilbur; sisters-in-law Shirley Millard, Carol Keene, Lois Keene & Regina Hill; brothers-in law Maynard Hall, Louis Maga, Vernon Conroy, Bryce Wilbur, Richard Keene, Gerald Keene, Edward Keene, Maurice Fay, James Birney, and Clifford Millard as well as many life-long special friends.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 12th from 6 - 8 pm at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols.  A funeral service and celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, July 13th at 11 am at the funeral chapel.  Fred will be laid to rest, in the Smithboro Cemetery where full Military Honors will be accorded.   Memories and condolences  may be shared  by visiting his guestbook at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com