Michael D. Hill, 72

BENNINGTON, Vt. — Michael D. Hill, 72, passed away peacefully at his home in Bennington on Saturday, August 5, 2017, after a long struggle with glioblastoma.

The son of MD and Margaret (Martin) Hill, he was born in Rutherfordton, N.C., on January 3, 1945. A 1963 graduate of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, High School, Michael completed technical school and was drafted in to the U.S. Army in 1965. Upon completion of his military service, "Mike" was employed by Western Electric (Nokia) for 45 years and was also a member of the Communications Workers of America.

He had a lifelong love of hockey and had coached youth hockey and refereed for many years. An avid golfer, he enjoyed an annual trip to Myrtle Beach with his golfing buddies along with weekly league play.

He is survived by his life partner of 35 years Valerie (Murashko) Hill of Bennington, Vt., and Newington, Conn.; sons David Hill, his wife Lisa Rueger and their daughters Cari and Caitlin of Durham, Conn., Michael A. Hill of Bennington, Brian Hill, his wife Jennifer Krawec and their son Camden of Waterford, Conn., and Andrew Hill and fiance Kathryn Warrender of Norwich, Conn.; brother Raymond Hill and his wife Jean of Mills River, N.C.; his beloved Great Dane Baby and cats Blackie and Kush; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral notice: Transfer will be made to the Newington Memorial Funeral Home, where services will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2017, from 5 to 7 p.m. with military honors. The family would like to thank the many caregivers, especially Bayada hospice, who helped make Michael's transition easier. Memorial gifts may be made to Second Chance Animal Center or charity of donor's choice. Memorial gifts may be mailed to Hanson Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 957, Bennington, VT 05201.