Andrew "Drew" Francis Hill, Sr.
August 29, 1973 ~ June 21, 2017
Falmouth, Maine - Andrew Francis Hill, Sr., (Drew), 43, died on June 21, 2017.
Drew was born in Lynn, MA on August 29, 1973, the son of Robert F. and Cecelia (Walsh) Hill. He enjoyed his childhood in Nahant, MA, with his two sisters. After graduating from Buckingham Browne & Nichols High School, he attended St. Lawrence University in New York where he earned his B.S. in Geology.
After living in Lake Tahoe, CA; Drew returned to New England, this time settling in Maine. Drew was an avid snowboarder, and greatly enjoyed traveling. He took several extended trips around different parts of the world.
Drew volunteered as a bereavement facilitator at the Center for Grieving Children for 16 years. It was here that Drew met Sharon Reiser, they fell in love and were married in 2004. Together they had three children; Andy, Samantha, and Lucy. Whether flying kites on the beach or snuggling up to read bedtime stories, Drew's greatest joy was found in spending time with his wife and their children. He was a loving, playful, devoted father and husband. Drew had a great zest for life; he was inquisitive and had many interests, from cooking to restoring classic Cadillacs. He could find humor and fun in any situation, and his laugh could fill up a room.
Drew is survived by his wife, Sharon, of Falmouth; three children, Andrew Francis, Jr., Samantha Rene, and Lucy Madeline; parents, Robert and Cecelia Hill of Nahant, MA; sisters, Amy McDonald and her husband Jason of Hillsborough, NC, and Karen Hill of West Roxbury, MA; six nieces and nephews, Clement, Cecelia, Sydney, Lucca, Camden, Chelsea, many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and friends.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, July 14, 2017 from 4:00-7:00PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home , 172 State Street, Portland. A Celebration of Drew's Life will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2017, at 11AM at the Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, 20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth.
To view Drew's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com
Memorial contributions may be made in Drew's memory to the Center of Grieving Children, 555 Forest Avenue, Portland, Maine 04101
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Pete – It was so nice to meet you tonight and to hear more about this wonderful part of Drew’s life that we didn’t have the opportunity to witness firsthand but got a glimpse of through the twinkle in his eye and the way that he approached his life as an incredibly devoted father and husband. He clearly brought a sense of adventure to all that he did and lived a full and beautiful life in too-short a time. I’m glad that he had such close friends to share in his joyful and good heart. Wishing you peace in the loss of this dear friend. Sincerely, Meghan Nathanson
– Meghan Nathanson
Love this photo of Drew and Amy!
– Eileen
Although I was an assistant in Kristina Farm-Morrill’s Daisy class for only a couple of months, it didn’t take long to see how amazing Drew was as a Dad. I enjoyed watching his and Sammy’s special connection as he hugged, tickled and kissed her at drop-off. He never hurried her into the classroom, making sure she was ready to leave his side. I was surprised to learn of Drew’s health struggles because he never complained and always had a smile on his face. How wonderful for Andy, Sammy and Lucy to have such a devoted, unselfish, loving Dad. I will keep you all in my special prayers.
Michelle Pulsifer-Gordon
– Michelle Pulsifer Gordon
Fun Sea Dogs and Red Claws games together with our sons Andy and Jonah, and others… Always a friendly face when dropping off the kids at school at the same time for many years, at birthday parties, events, and early, awkward (for me) sing-along circles at then-called Merriconeag Waldorf School. One of the last fond memories of Drew was when he was selflessly inspired, though ill, to get out of his car and excitedly take a picture of my son Adrian and his best friend Gemma on one of the last days of school, as they chatted between car windows (both with their heads out of their respective vehicles). He emailed me the pic shortly thereafter.
He truly cherished his time with his kids and it was obvious that he tried never to miss a dropoff at school no matter how bad he felt. As sick as he was, I found it amazing that I never heard him complain once.
I already miss him dearly
-Josh Nathanson
– Josh Nathanson
I first met Drew when our son Jonah and his and Sharon’s son Andy became close friends in nursery school. Our families were an immediate good fit and we quickly became close along with our children. We attended each other’s gatherings and celebrations, picnics and Halloween outings. They helped us adjust to life with our new baby, Adrian and we helped them welcome their baby girl Lucy into the world. Our annual 4th of July party, became their annual 4th of July party. Their yearly rental of a sky box to see the Sea Dogs play baseball became our annual trip to see the Sea Dogs play baseball.
One of my first memories of Drew was when he attended a birthday gathering at our home when our children were still small. He was sitting on the floor holding Sami in his lap and he was sharing with me that he really liked our home. He wanted to clarify what it was that he liked and he said, “It’s so bright!” “I just love the way the light comes in!” He said it in such a way that his face lit up and it reminded me of the way that people say things that mirror who they are. He was someone who was illuminated from within. It didn’t matter what his body was doing, his inner light shone through.
My last conversation with Drew was memorable as well. He was sitting on a blanket at a picnic on the last day of school and once again he was brimming with hope despite a bad stretch with his health. He had plans and dreams and he was making his way toward them. Instead of complaining about what he’d been through recently, he shared with me the way that he connected with his doctors over the years and really listened to the personal things they shared with him–for instance, a book they were reading or a place they were traveling to–and how when he would see them next, sometimes months later, and he would bring the topic up with them again. He said it would often surprise them. He explained to me that it was because the doctors had his life in their hands and he wanted them to think of him as a human being and not just another “case” they were working on. Upon reflection, I believe it was more than that. I believe that was Drew, being Drew. That was him caring about the people he met and engaging them in their interests. Reaching out. Connecting with a smile and really seeing people. I had experienced this from him myself, many times.
Sharon had the courage to attend our 4th of July Party this year just after Drew had passed away. She has been incredible in her ability to put one foot in front of the other and manage her grief and the grief of her children with a presence and tenderness that is truly remarkable. Toward the end of the party, Andy ran up to her and said that he wanted to send one of the helium balloons up into the air with a message to his Dad. This took all of our breaths away and I saw a tear spring to Sharon’s eye. Without delay Andy–and all of the children–ran to the backyard and eventually found a balloon to release with a message for Drew. I managed to snap a photo just after Andy had released his balloon and watched as it drifted further and further up into the sky. I didn’t look at the photos until almost midnight that night and my breath was taken away once again when I finally looked closely at the photo of Andy releasing his balloon. There–a few feet behind him on the ground– was a golden ball of light. In my mind, it had to be Drew. He would never miss one of our 4th of July parties.
– Meghan Nathanson
Drew was a remarkable friend and spirited partner in crime. Our adventures took us all around Nahant and Marblehead, Loon and Sugarloaf, St. Lawrence and Colby, across the Whites and the Greens, from Bar Harbor to Grand Isle, Big Bend to Glacier, Seattle to Big Sur, Squaw Valley to San Francisco, and back to Portland and Boston. Drew was a sincere and colorful friend throughout, and I am left with a treasure trove of hilarious and heartfelt memories. Drew was also a fantastic father who gave absolutely everything he had for his kids despite his health struggles. Best wishes to all of Drew’s family and friends, and rest in peace my friend.
– Pete Bingenheimer
Found many fond memories and photos of Drew at my parents house. Please share yours with us.
– Amy