Albert C. Hills Sr.

Albert "Al" Cary Hills Sr., 74, of Hummelstown, PA, passed on August 6, 2016. Born January 7, 1942 in Northampton, MA to Jean Cary and John Henry Hills, Al was the youngest of three children. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 53 years, Edith Farnham Bliss Hills, also of Hummelstown, PA. His sister, Sara Hills, survives him and he is pre-deceased by his sister Susan Hills Burckhardt, both from Hadley, MA.

Al also leaves behind his four children: Dr. Albert "Cary" Hills Jr. DVM (52) of Seattle, Washington, his wife Jennifer Jackson and their two children Clara Violet (11) and Esther Flora (10); Courtney Hills Murray CNM (49) of Hummelstown, PA, her husband Peter D. Murray and their five children, Emma Catherine (21), Samuel Hayden (18), Caleb Christopher (15), Hannah Constance (12), and Olivia Marjorie (12); Chapin Hills Huxley (46) of Hummelstown, PA, her husband John Huxley and their three children, John Dryden (19), Thomas Howe (18), and David Reardon (15); Amanda Hills Weddle (45) of Cooksville, MD, her husband Robert J. Weddle Jr. and their two children Sofia Elisabeth (15) and Hunter Oliver (11); and many nieces and nephews.

Raised in a hamlet in Massachusetts, Al was an active outdoorsman. He loved animals and farming, had a curious nature, and loved football and skiing. His was a strong intellect that favored history, genealogy, and local sports. He attended prep-school at Deerfield Academy from 1955-1959 and was famously known as "Golden-toes" for his skill as kicker on the football team. Following graduation, he became a military cadet at Norwich University. He was stationed in Fort Benning, GA, Fort Carson, CO, and Fort Campbell, KY, followed by two tours in Vietnam where he earned a Bronze Star for his meritorious service. He fulfilled his military commitment and was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain in 1969.

Returning to civilian life, Al pursued a career in banking at CBT in Hartford, CT and rose to the prominent position of VP of Cash Management. He remained there until his retirement in 1991. He was proud to be part of the innovation of the first ATM machine, Barney.

Al lived in Winchester, CT at Field Mouse Farm for 25 years, commuting to work in Hartford, CT by day. By night and weekends, he was an extraordinary husband and father, and backyard farmer to his menagerie of cows, sheep, horses, hogs, ducks, hens, and goats.

Upon retirement, Al moved with his wife and mother-in-law Marjorie Bliss, to Friendship, ME. There he single-handedly developed a woodland trail around the peninsula property, built a cabin, a log fortress, and park benches from which to enjoy the view. He was devoted to his wife and mother-in-law. His children’s and grandchildren’s visits made him happy.

He was the father who trekked the Appalachian trail with his children, wrote poetry and sonnets about his wife, never failed to appear at a grandchild’s athletic game or artistic venue, researched 64 generations of ancestors, published two books, compiled a noteworthy stamp collection, was an avid prankster, and had an ever-ready smile on his face. He loved a bonfire and a good cigar, a tall glass of iced-tea, and a thick book.

His last resting place will be in Northampton, MA. Contributions can be made in his memory to Lower Dauphin Falcon Foundation, LDFF, 291 East Main Street, Hummelstown, PA 17036.

Al had a good and happy life.

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