Obituary of Wayne H. Hill, Sr.
In Loving Memory of Wayne H. Hill, Sr. (1944-2024)
It is with profound sorrow and loving remembrance that we announce the peaceful passing of Wayne H. Hill Sr., aged 79, on Monday, January 22, 2024, at the NJ Fireman’s Home in Boonton, New Jersey after a 4+ year battle of dementia. As a cancer survivor for over 15 years, he had an incredible will for life and love for his family that inspired him to continue to be extremely strong and always a fighter up until the end.
Born in Easton, Pennsylvania, Wayne's journey began on February 11, 1944. He spent his formative years in Peapack Gladstone, where his vibrant spirit and strong sense of community were nurtured. Wayne's life was characterized by dedication, a testament to his enduring work ethic and deep-seated values. In 1973, he embarked on a new chapter with his beloved wife, May R. Silva. After their marriage they settled down roots in Millington, where they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared joys with their two children.
A patriot at heart, Wayne served our country with honor in the Army from 1962 to 1964 and continued his commitment through four additional years in the reserves. His professional path was marked by a distinguished career as a Concrete Foreman with the Laborers Local 3 in Mountainside, where his leadership and expertise were invaluable.
Wayne's passion for life extended beyond his professional achievements. As an active member of the Peapack Gladstone Volunteer Fire Department and the American Legion Post 216, he dedicated countless hours to serving his community. His love for baseball, evident from a young age, saw him earn a look from the Baltimore Orioles. This passion for the sport was a lifelong affair, paralleled by his enthusiasm for hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors, with his favorite hunts in Montana, Maine, Wyoming, and Canada.
Wayne cherished the simple pleasures in life, from engaging in Friday night card games with friends to enjoying family trips to Aruba and LBI. His heart was fullest when spending time with his grandson, Dylan, and his loyal dog, Yogi, embodying the role of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend.
Wayne leaves behind a legacy of love and fond memories with his wife of 50 years, May Silva Hill; his son, Wayne Hill Jr.; his daughter, Laurie DeRonde and her husband, Chris; his adored grandson, Dylan; his brothers, William Hill (Marge) and Ronald Hill; sisters-in-law, Susan Grosso (Bob), Anne Silva, and Linda Hill; and a cherished circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Vincent and Hilda Hill; brothers, Robert Hill and Bruce Hill; and brother-in-law, John Silva, Jr.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 26th, 2024, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069. A service will commence at 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 27th, 2024, at the funeral home, followed by a 10 a.m. funeral mass at St. Vincent DePaul Church in Stirling, NJ. Interment will follow at St. Vincent DePaul Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Wayne’s memory are encouraged to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/). For donations to The NJ Firemen’s Home, please write a check and mail it to the following address:
The New Jersey Firemen's Home
In Memory of Wayne H. Hill, Sr.
565 Lathrop Avenue
Boonton, NJ 07005
Wayne's departure leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of those he touched. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his generosity, spirit, and unwavering love.
