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Sea captain, artist, pilot, craftsman, and much-loved friend left this world and arrived in his eternal home on February 20, 2022. His sudden death is a shock to his family and to his many close friends.
He was born on April 7, 1954, the fourth of five children born to Frederick and Theresa (Procopio) Hill. His first day was off to a rough start with several unexpected birth complications. He was rushed to Children’s Hospital, fighting for his life, and to the doctors’ amazement, he survived! He grew up in Malden, an inquisitive kid always full of ideas. As hard as it is to believe now, his parents were alarmed that he couldn’t say a word ’til he was 3 years old, and then he jumped right into talking in complete sentences.
Stephen was prayed for before he was born, and his mom and dad raised the family under the guidance of the Bible which was read in their home each day. It was here that he learned about Jesus, believed the Gospel and received the promise of everlasting life, which he is enjoying right now. The family was hospitable; there was always room for extra people around the table, and an unspoken credo that food was at the ready for “company.” Unexpected visitors, missionaries, and friends were welcomed day or night–no exaggeration.
That generous lifestyle paved the way for Stephen’s legendary meal creations – his amazing dinners for friends on land or on the water, for every occasion and celebration; or whipping up a gourmet supper on an ordinary weeknight with a friend or two- lighting the candles, plating the food, all with that twinkle in his eye.
The experiences of his life took him to coastal locations from San Francisco and Los Angeles, to Atlanta, Ft. Lauderdale, and Beaufort, S.C. He piloted yachts up and down both coasts and beyond, and had recently extended his captain’s license. Known as Captain. Steve, he had a wealth of adventures on the sea and in the air, and many stories to tell. He loved music. He had the innate ability to design and build -mostly starting with a sketch on napkin- homes and kitchen add-ons on a grand scale. He never ran out of ideas. He was such fun to be with, and would stop at nothing to offer help when needed. He had friends everywhere he went, and somehow he kept them all, even when he moved away.
In 2015, he came to Falmouth. The perfect spot- not too far from his family on the North Shore and right near the harbor. It didn’t take much time to become a part of the community here – boat people, fishing people, church people, families he came to know and love, and a fresh audience for his jokes. He loved hanging out with friends, even more-so if working on a project together. In the good times and not so good, he leaned into his deep and personal faith in God, and at Cape Cod Church – a spot he loved- he found soul encouragement and a welcoming home, especially in his small group. Some say he was a legend. Some say he was a friend. He was that and more and he will be missed.
He is survived by his sisters Jacquelyn Smith (Glenn) of Magnolia; Karen Gilfillan (Dennis) of Saugus; and Paula McIntosh (Stephen) of Malden. He was preceded in death by his brother Allen Hill of Palos Park, IL.
He also leaves his nephews and nieces Penelope Clark, Matthew, Ethan and Eric Smith, Lindsey Boyer, Heather Gilfillan, Andrew Gilfillan, Dustin Hill and Alison Hebert and their families; as well as a large circle of extended family.
