Obituary of Bruce A. Hill

Bruce A. Hill (Pet Sitter, Volunteer) On Thursday, January 17th, 2019, Bruce Allen Hill passed away at the age of 65 after a heroic three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Bruce was born on May 15th, 1953, in Somerville, New Jersey, to Vincent Hill and Hilda Sargent Hill. Highly regarded for his strong work ethic, impeccable character, and giving spirit, Bruce often credited his upbringing in the small town of Peapack-Gladstone, New Jersey, as the source of his deeply entrenched value system. After a standout baseball career at Watchung Hills Regional High School, Bruce was drafted by the Kansas City Royals where he played in their farm system. At the end of his athletic career, Bruce worked as a landscaper, running his own business, Green Hills Lawn Service. After marrying his beloved wife Linda of 30 years, Bruce moved to his second home, Hopatcong, New Jersey, where he launched his career as a professional pet sitter. Running his own pet sitting business for two decades, Bruce quickly became a celebrity in and around Hopatcong and was highly regarded for his professionalism, compassion, and strong gift for working with pets of any variety, but especially dogs. After retiring, Bruce worked equally hard as a tireless volunteer and advocate for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Through his efforts with PANCAN, Bruce was able to touch lives across the country, and even internationally, as he inspired countless people to fight their sickness with the same combination of faith, hope, and positivity that Bruce fought his own. Bruce is preceded in death by his father, Vincent, his mother, Hilda, brother Bob, sister-in-law, Ann, close friend Roger Haskell, and dear family friend, Maureen Schmidt. Bruce will also be lovingly welcomed by his countless canine friends, but especially Max, Necco, Scout, Zoe, Puffy, Jacques, and Jeter. Bruce is survived by his wife Linda, her three sons Michael, Christopher, and Douglas, daughters-in-law Jen and Laura, grandchildren Sean, Jake, Colin, Ella, Judson, Dominic, and Anna, brothers Bill, Wayne, and Ron, sisters-in-law May and Marge, and several nieces and nephews. In addition, his loving care will be missed by the many dogs who survived him, such as Piper, Luca, and Buddy. There will be a mass in Bruce's honor on Wednesday, January 23rd, at 10am at St. Jude's Catholic Church on 40 Maxim Drive in Hopatcong, New Jersey. In addition, there will be a Celebration of Life open to all on Saturday, March 2nd, at noon, at the St. Jude's parish center. In lieu of flowers, donations can made to the Pancreatic Cancer Network in Bruce's name.