Roswell G. Hill

Portville – Roswell G. "Roz" Hill    

            Roswell G. Hill, known as “Roz” to so many in the Olean area, passed on to eternal glory to be with his savior Jesus Christ on May 24, 2018 after a severe case of pneumonia.

            Roz was born on January 3, 1929 to the late William R. Hill and Lorel F. (Patterson) Hill. He was raised in Portville and Olean, attended Olean High School, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1946. He served in the 1st Marine Division in the China conflict as a military guard, and later also served in the United States Air Force.

            He married Mary “Manya” Kula on January 29, 1949, who survives. Also surviving are a sister, Leonette Ackley of Sun City, AZ, his five children, Christine (Frank) Rubick and Annette (Richard) Seybert, both of Portville, Grant (Sonya) Hill of Olean, plus Lori (Glenn) Guarino and Melissa (Todd) Husted, both of Rochester, his grandchildren: Gina Zeigler, Alyssa Hall, Lana Hill, Jenna Hill, Melissa Hill, Jared Hill, Julissa Hill, Russell Blackwell, James Blackwell, Matthew Blackwell, and Laura Cometto-Fardellone, 15 great grandchildren, and literally dozens of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents Roz was pre-deceased by three siblings, William Hill, Audrey Halford, and Stewart Hill. He was also pre-deceased by his son-in-law, Frank Rubick.

            Roz was known as a kind, friendly, and affable man. He thought the very best of every individual he encountered, and was extremely hard working as a long time general contractor. Most of his adult life was spent at his residences in Weston’s Mills and on Lillibridge Road. He was a long time member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church where he served as a vestryman. He was both a competitive weightlifter and bodybuilder in the 1950s. He loved his simple country life, was an avid walker who enjoyed many of the trails and wooded areas that the region has to offer. His kindness and love for animals was foremost, and was especially close to his dogs through many decades. He also loved to frequent many restaurants and coffee shops where he was highly regarded by hundreds of friends and acquaintances through the years.

            Roz represented the very best to which the human spirit can aspire, focusing on being good to others and living a clean life. He will be greatly missed by many. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Pfieffer Nature Center, Portville, NY.

            A service of prayer, music, and remembrance will be officiated by Pastor Andy Hall at Crosstown Alliance Church, 1513 Main Street, Olean, NY on Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Fellowship and visitation will commence at 2:00 PM, followed by the service at 4:00 PM.  Refreshments will be served in the church café following the service. All are welcome to attend this celebration of Roz’s life!

            Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State Street, Olean.  Online condolences may be made at www.LetroMcIntoshSpinkFuneralHome.com