George W. “Jack” Hill, 75, of Philipsburg died at home on Monday, June 30, 2014 after a lengthy illness. He was born in New Kensington on April 29, 1939, a son of the late Alex “Eck” and Zelda (Peck) Hill.
On June 27, 1964 in Winchester, Va., he married the former Verone Shufran, who survives at home. In addition to his wife, he is survived by several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; and one sister. Although his immediate family was small, he was richly blessed by the enduring love of his wife’s 12 siblings and their families.
He was raised in the Lutheran faith. However, for the past 25 years, he was a member of Gethsemane United Methodist Church in Allport.
A lifetime resident of the Philipsburg area, he graduated from the Philipsburg High School in 1957.
Following a four-year tour of duty in the U.S. Air Force, he returned home and managed or co-owned several fruit markets. He also worked in the produce department of Riverside Market for 11 years. He was then employed with the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier in Clearfield until failing health forced his retirement in 1999.
He was an avid bowler, softball player and a loyal Pittsburgh Pirates fan for more than 60 years. He and his wife loved attending auctions and collecting antiques.
He was a charter member and past president of the Philipsburg Area Jaycees. He was selected as a J.C.I. Senator.
He was a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Philipsburg Lodge No. 1173, where he served as Exalted Ruler in 1990. In 1998, he was elected District State Vice-president and in 1999, he served as District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for the North Central District.
Some of his proudest moments in Elkdom came when his wife was elected and served in the same capacity. She was the first woman from the North Central District ever to do so.
A celebration of life will be held at 7 p.m. July 11 at the Gethsemane United Methodist Church, Allport, with the Rev. Heather M. Baker-McAllister officiating. An Elks memorial service will also be conducted by members of the Philipsburg lodge.
Military honors will be accorded at the church by members of the Moshannon Valley Independent Honor Guard.
Burial will be at Grandview Cemetery, Morrisdale.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Clearfield County SPCA, 275 21st St., Clearfield, PA 16830 or to the Holt Memorial Library, 17 N. Front St., Philipsburg, PA 16866.
The family would like to thank Mount Nittany Medical Center Emergency Room Physician Dr. Kevin Finnerty; Personal Care Physician Dr. Richard Hale; Centre Crossings Hospice and Hospice Coordinator Dr. Paul Wholley for their professional and compassionate care during Mr. Hill’s illness.
Friends may sign the guestbook at: beezerheathfh.com.
