Saco

David L. Hill, 70, of Saco, passed away unexpectedly early Friday morning on August 23, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Portland.

He was born in Biddeford on December 16, 1953, son of Gary L. and Nancy L. (Libby) Hill. David was a proud graduate of Thornton Academy, class of 1972, where he was a standout athlete and co-captain of the Trojan football team.

At an early age, David excelled in sports. He played many sports, but took a particular liking to little league and was the league batting champion of 1966, with a batting average of .500.   His enjoyment of baseball continued into adulthood, when he played years of softball on the Parker-Hannafin, company team.

He married his wife, Dianne Shaw, on August 26, 1978; and they raised two beautiful daughters together. David was employed by W.H. Nichols, later called Parker-Hannafin, for over 30 years. Not one to sit still, David continued his education at the University of Southern Maine, and became a certified personal trainer, further pursuing his interest in fitness. David was a true perfectionist, he held everything he did in his life to the highest of standards.

He was a devoted follower of local and professional sporting teams. David could be seen with his buddies, cheering on their favorite local teams and most enthusiastically, when his grandchildren played school sports. He was a lifelong New York Yankees baseball and New York Giants football fan. Boston fans, don't hold this against him!

David developed an interest in sports photography, once again taking his talent to the next level. He was an avid photographer of his grandsons' sporting teams, making all of the photos available to the team members' friends and families, free of charge.  He always made every effort to get a good shot of every teammate, so all could be represented.

David was tech and computer savvy. His friends and family relied on him to answer questions and help troubleshoot any issues. He was also a reliable driver, for not only his daughters and grandchildren, but also for friends of his grandchildren. He could fix just about anything, from bikes, to computers, to installing fences.

David was a devoted son, husband, father, brother grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, great uncle and friend. All who knew him, understood they could rely on him for love, support, a laugh, an opinion, and plenty of teasing. He will be sadly missed by many.

He was pre-deceased by his father, Gary Hill and mother, Nancy Thomson and a brother Dennis Hill. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Dianne. Two daughters, Christie Shepherd and Heather Stanley and three grandchildren, Dylan, Sam and Shelby, one great-grandchild, Lucianna and step father, Norman Thomson, as well as a sister, Susan Jewett and two brothers; Steven G. Hill and his husband, Teddy Kyung, Randy Hill and wife, Rebecca. David will also be missed by numerous other family members and friends.

Visiting hours will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 29th at Cote Funeral Home in Saco.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Friday August 30th at Most Holy Trinity Church of the Good Shepherd Parish in Saco. Arrangements are by the Cote Funeral Home of Saco.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in David's name to the Thornton Academy Athletic Department, 438 Main St. Saco, ME. 04072.