John Raymond Hill - Obituary

OHN RAYMOND HILL Crofton, MD April 25, 1944 – February 22, 2024 John Raymond Hill, of Crofton, MD, passed away on February 22, 2024. He was 79 years old. John was born on April 25, 1944 in Washington, D.C. to William and Elizabeth Hill. He was one of six children. John excelled in football at a young age. He received the “Timmie Award” for Local Schoolboy from the Touchdown Club of DC in 1958, for his play as a quarterback at St. Francis Xavier CYO. The night of the awards dinner, John met and spoke with his NFL idol, Johnny Unitas. John kept the photo of he and Unitas his entire life. John idolized Unitas, but he was a lifelong Redskins fan, not the Commanders. John was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He enjoyed supporting and volunteering for wounded veteran events and charities. Nothing made him feel better than to put a smile on a veteran’s face. Living and raising a family in Crofton since 1976, he was known to many kids in the ‘70s and ‘80s as “Coach Hill” in football and baseball. John was also a martial arts instructor. He was always waiting to demonstrate pain-compliance techniques on unwitting friends. John was an avid animal lover. He had a gifted ability to befriend any dog, big or small, vicious or tame. He always had a treat and a back-scratch at the ready for all the neighborhood dogs. John loved playing golf, especially with his brothers. He never passed up an opportunity to needle other players, particularly when he was winning. You had to have thick skin to play against John. John and his wife, Dolores, were devoted followers of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church since 1976, when mass was held in the gym of Crofton Woods Elementary School. Since 2018, John was a proud member of the Kiwanis Club of Crofton. He loved volunteering, spreading laughter, and just spending time with the community. John is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Dolores; his brothers Bill, Ron, and Raymond; his sister Patsy; his son Scott and daughter, Stephanie; his grandchildren Brailyn, Logan, and Harper; and his grand pups Diesel, Raven and Drax. A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on March 5, 2024 at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Crofton. A reception at the church will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Wounded Warriors Project, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, or the Kiwanis Club and Foundation of Crofton.