Obituary of Robert Berton Hill Sr.

Robert “Bob” B. Hill Sr. was born in South New Berlin, New York on June 4, 1929.

After trying to join too young, Bob joined the Marine Corps at age 17 and married the love of his life, Helen, shortly after. Together, they raised five children, and had ten grandchildren.

Bob dedicated himself to a career with the Marine Corps as a drill instructor and recruiter. Bob served in Vietnam and sailed in the Mediterranean during the Cold War. He wrote the hand-to-hand combat manual for the Marines while he was a drill instructor at Parris Island. As with most Marines, Bob was strong willed and decisive.

Although Bob was a dedicated Marine, he was an even more dedicated man of God, family, and community. Bob led by example and showed his family how to love fiercely and loyally. He always ensured his children and grandchildren knew how much pride he felt for them and celebrated all their successes. Bob graciously gave what he could to his family and community.

He touched many lives when he practiced Judo and volunteered many hours to the athletes. Bob served as a Judo Referee in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Bob continued his community involvement as a Masonic Lodge member for over fifty years. He served as the Paymaster (2005 to 2007) and the Commandant in 2008 for the Colorado Springs Marine Corps League.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Helen. After seventy-two years of marriage, Bob and Helen embodied deep love and true companionship. Bob’s legacy as the loving patriarch will live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s honor to the Marine Corps League of Colorado Springs, https://pikespeakmcl.org/, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate

Visitation, 2:00PM-5:00PM, Thursday, April 27, 2023, The Springs Funeral Services - North, 6575 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80923.

Funeral Service, 10:00AM, Friday, April 28, 2023, The Springs Funeral Services - North, 6575 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80923.

Reception to follow. 

Graveside Service, 3:00PM, Friday, April 28, 2023, Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925.