AGAWAM - John Edson Hill, 78, died Thursday, May 23, 2013 at the East Longmeadow Skilled Nursing Center, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was an example of patience and endurance, and his bravery will continue to inspire all who knew him. John is survived by his wife Marcia (Prouty) of 35 years, his loving children, John Arthur Hill and partner Thomas Donahue of Springfield, Robert Etkin of Portsmouth, N.H., Stephen Etkin and his wife Anna of Ludlow, Joseph Marek and his wife Hollis of Matthews, N.C. , and Mary Holman and her husband George of Wilbraham. He also leaves behind his brother, Walter Hill and his wife Judy of Ludlow, his sisters, Peg Barnard of Springfield and Evelyn McMinnon of Florida and his five grandchildren, Benjamin Etkin, Max Marek-Fowler, Sadie, Effie and Julia Marek. John loved baseball, playing shortstop throughout his youth, and was a lifelong Red Sox fan. He loved reading about history, watching action movies, laughing with his children, and spending time with his grandson Max. John's family would like to express their gratitude for the outstanding care and compassion that was extended to him by the following individuals: Jessica, Jen, Sonia, Katie, Festus, Jennifer, and all the daily caregivers of Dogwood not mentioned here. The family is always very grateful to Beacon Hospice for their kindness, the unending patience of John's daily hospice caregiver, Brit, and for the generosity and attentiveness of his new friend Andrew. A Chapel service with Military Honors will be held on Thursday at 1 PM in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday from 4-7 PM in the Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home 985 Main Street, Agawam, MA. Contributions in John's name may be directed to the , P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

[Published in The Springfield Republican from May 27 to May 28, 2013]