- Date Of Birth: January 6, 1936
- Date Of Death: February 7, 2021
- State: Indiana
Thomas “Tom” Stewart Hill, 85, residing in Elkhart, peacefully passed away at home Sunday morning, February 7, 2021, surrounded by his loved ones.
Tom married the one and only love of his life, Elizabeth A. “Liz” Sitterson, on July 8, 1961, in Aiken, SC. Liz preceded Tom in death on September 24, 2018, after 57 years of marriage. He is survived by his children: Douglas A (Irina) Hill, of Brooklyn, NY, Stephen M. “ Mike” Hill, of Florence, SC, Thomas F Hill, of St. Petersburg, FL, and Bethany J (Jim) Wilcox of South Bend, IN: two grandchildren: Roman Voloshin and Haley Wilcox: one great granddaughter, Remi Kay Aguilar-Moore: also surviving are his “Bonus” grandchildren, Nikki, Anna, and Jeremiah, and Nat and Gabe.
Tom was born in Wilmington, DE to the late Abraham F. and Mary A.S. (Stewart) Hill, both previously of Bellshill, Scotland. He grew up in Delaware until his family relocated to Aiken, SC, when he was 16. After graduating high school in Aiken, Tom attended Clemson University in Clemson, SC for two years before receiving his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.
During his time in the United States Air Force Tom made lifelong friends, served his country during the Vietnam War, and earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and Air Force Longevity Service Award. He was honorably discharged in June 1965 as a 1st Lieutenant.
Tom enjoyed a long and successful career in various engineering, sales, marketing and management roles in the electrical components industry. He continued his education even while working, earning his MBA from Syracuse University in 1977. He retired in 1993, as the President of Burgess Switch Components in Elkhart.
After retiring, he became an adjunct instructor in the business school of Indiana University-South Bend, where he earned awards for excellence in teaching. He also volunteered his time to coach high school baseball for Concord and Elkhart Schools, as well as the American Legion team. He was fondly known as “Coach Hill.”
Tom was a loving husband, father, and friend. He was an avid photographer, sports fan, and a true animal lover. He enjoyed sharing his children’s accomplishments: he was a proud, supportive father.
