Judge William David Hill's Obituary
The Honorable William David Hill retired State of New Jersey Supervising Judge of Worker’s Compensation of Willingboro N.J. passed away on Easter Sunday April 21st 2019.
Born in Trenton NJ in 1928 he was the son of Mary Alice (Abrahams/Matlack) and Harry Russell Hill. Bill grew up in Ewingville NJ where he was proud to have been a Boy Scout and having attended the Lanning Demonstration School prior to going to Trenton Central High. The first in his family to go to college, he attended Rutgers University on a full academic NJ State (Upton) Scholarship. He met the love of his life Kathleen (Kathy) Patricia Johnson, a student at Trenton State Teachers College near his parent’s house, through family and mutual friends shortly after graduating from Rutgers in 1950 and before going to Korea. Bill served with distinction in the US Army from 1951 through the end of 1953. He was active in combat in Korea following O.C.S. and Artillery School training at Ft. Sill, OK. He was a forward observer and artillery officer, which included time near Heartbreak Ridge and the Mung Dun Ni Valley. He was promoted to First Lieutenant and ultimately became an Aide-de-Campe to General Thomas Dunn of the 40th Division before leaving the Army, turning down a regular commission and military career, to marry Kathy in 1954. Among other awards he received the Army Commendation Medal and the ROK Presidential Unit Citation. Bill was dedicated to a life of public service and obtained his law degree from Temple University while working as an Insurance Claims Adjustor. He clerked for the NJ Attorney General before starting as a Deputy Attorney General handling cases at the state and federal level. He was admitted to the bar for the Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey and for the U.S. Supreme Court. Starting in 1961 he then worked for the NJ Department of Labor as a Referee of Worker’s Compensation before being appointed in 1968 as a Trial Judge of Worker’s Compensation. He then became a Supervising Judge involved in the oversight and training of other Judges. Immediately following his retirement in 1992, he was called back by the Governor to continue to supervise and train the state’s Workers Compensation Judges for another year. Then after serving the State of New Jersey for 31 years as a lawyer and Judge, he continued to serve as an emeritus Judge for many years on a State Commission that investigated Judicial behavior of NJ Dept. of Labor Judges. He was proud of his ability to positively affect the lives of thousands of NJ citizens.
Bill was also a scholar of American History and Character with a special interest in the Civil War and the role of the NJ 1st Division, in which his grandfather served. He was dedicated to his family, the State of New Jersey and Country. Bill loved taking his family on extended summer camping and trailer vacations to appreciate our natural resources and history. With Kathy he loved to travel and they had an active social life with friends. He was a founding member of the Willingboro Food and Wine Society where with Kathy they developed life-long friendships. Bill also became a Wine Educator and Judge incorporating his love of reading, geography, history and wine.
Following retirement Bill and Kathy enjoyed experiencing decades of extensive travel by car, train, boat and plane throughout all 50 states, and Europe, especially enjoying educational Elder Hostel trips to Europe, England, Ireland and the Channel Islands.
With Kathy he was proud of their immediate large loving family, as well as their extended families. They were actively involved in the lives of their children and families. Bill wanted to be remembered as a Patriot – Public Servant - Brother - Friend – and especially a proud Father & Grandfather. Bill led a full, involved, productive and meaningful life that inspired and impacted many, even outside of his family.
Bill was proceeded in death by his beloved wife Kathy with whom he shared 63 years of Marriage and innumerable adventures. Bill is survived by his five children (and their spouses): Dr. William David Hill II (Patricia) of Charleston SC, Patricia Ellen Grim (Thomas) of Augusta GA, John R. R. Hill (Michele) of Mullica Hill NJ, Thomas Andrew C. Hill (Alison) of Maple Shade NJ, Peter J. Hill (Mary Gina) of Haddon Heights NJ; his ten grandchildren Thomas, Miranda, Olivia, Zachary (Frances), Victoria (Michael), Julia, Jennifer, Andrew, Mary Gianna, and Sophia; as well as two (and counting) great grandchildren Michael and Dean. Bill is also survived by his brother, dear friend and fellow traveler in the law Harry Russell Hill Jr of Lawrenceville NJ.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather at Givnish of Cinnaminson, 1200 Route 130 North, on Thursday, April 25th, from 7 to 9 pm, and again on Friday, April 26th, from 10 to 11 am. A service will follow at 11 am. Interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Sturge-Weber Foundation (http://sturge-weber.org/) or in his memory to support the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansa 66675-8517; (855) 448-3997; https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/. To share your fondest memories and condolences, please visit www.Givnish.com.
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