Philip L. Hill, of Guilford, formerly of North Haven, beloved son of Leonard and Susan Hill and beloved brother of Amy Hill, died on January 29, 2014, at the age of 33. He was predeceased by his grandparents Walter and Ruth Hill and Louis and Emily Griffin and is survived by a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins and by many friends he held dear.
Philip grew up in North Haven, CT, graduating in 1998 from North Haven High School where he was active in jazz band, soccer, tennis, Future Problem Solving, and the National Honor Society.
Philip’s early love for computers led to majoring in computer science and engineering at UCLA for one year before beginning his career as a software engineer and consultant at companies in Santa Monica and West Hollywood, CA. An East Coast man at heart, he returned to CT in 2002 and established his own consulting businesses (Vernal Elm LLC and Vernal Technology LLC), working for such organizations as Citigroup Private Bank, IBM/EuroRSCG Circle, Tiger Lead Solutions, and, currently, Technical Resource Management, Inc. An enthusiastic and skilled software engineer, Philip said, “My ideal situation is one in which I can thrive on challenges, learn as I work, and implement new technologies.” His current employer described him as a gifted programmer. His mathematical and verbal skills contributed to his unique skill set.
Philip combined his natural leadership skills and energy with great compassion for the poor, homeless, and disenfranchised, and for people who were mentally and emotionally troubled. He followed current events with avid interest and loved to engage friends and family in political discussions with a progressive focus, often suggesting common sense approaches to socio-economic issues. He was a friend you could count on to give good advice and warm support. A friend described him as “a good man with a big heart whom everyone liked.” We will miss Philip’s sharp wit, engaging personality, and his full commitment to the people and causes he loved.
Funeral services will be conducted in the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Monday morning at 10:00. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. The visiting hours will be Sunday from 1 to 4 PM. Philip would be pleased for memorial donations to be made to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which he loved. (Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Development, 1000 Washington Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11225 or www.bbg.org.) Contributions may also be made to the Connecticut Food Bank, P.O. Box 8686, New Haven, CT 06531 or www.ctfoodbank.org.
I wish I had some magical words that would take away all the pain from this loss. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing that Phil left behind a lot of friends that are going to miss him terribly. I know I will cherish forever every moment we had together.
Rest in Peace Phill
While I never had the pleasure to meet Phillip, Amy is a dear friend and valued colleague. I am so sorry for this unimaginable loss. You are all in my thoughts and in my heart.
We are sending you many hugs and prayers. We love you all very much and wish we could be with you at this time.
PHIL WAS AN AMAZING BRIGHT HUMAN BEING, I AM SO SOORY FOR THIS LOSS
Phil was one of the most encouraging, entertaining, and intellectual people i have ever had the pleasure of befriending. i'm going to miss him dearly, not only for camaraderies sake, but for his genuine compassion and sense of respect for everyone lucky enough to have him in their lives.my condolences to his family, his passing is a great loss to us all.
I am so very sorry for this loss. I went to middle school with Phil. He was very intelligent back then with a very quick wit. He will be missed.
Dearest dearest Len, Sue, and Amy: Across the miles, please know that Alan and I are with you heart and soul at this most difficult and saddest of times. We send you our love and hugs. The Memorial above brilliantly captures the treasure of Philip who always has had and will always have a very special place in our hearts because of our love for you two which grew into our love for Amy, and then Philip, your truest family jewels.
I wish I could embrace you all at this time.
With love….
Dear Sue, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Your family is in my prayers. Emily
I had the pleasure of going to high school with Phil. He was very intelligent, although it has been many years, I still remember his voice and the way he spoke. I'm speachless. Rest in peace my friend
My condolences go out to his family in the time of tragic loss. A soul far to you taken. Phil was a bright, friendly and energetic guy who I rember as a kid. We went to middle school then high school together. Your mind and your soul will never be forgotten because you have contributed more to this world then you know. RIP.
My sincerest thoughts go out to you and your family Leonard in this time of sorrow!
What a loss to us all. I never met him, but can see what a wonderful human being he is. I'm terribly sorry for your loss, family and friends. May he live on in your hearts, thoughts and actions.
This is a beautifully written tribute to Philip.
He certainly had great compassion, as well as intelligence.
Philip will be missed by many in North Haven, who knew him through school, sports, and music.
My love and condolences extend to you: Len, Sue, and Amy, as well as to Philip's many friends.
Sue and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart is broken for you.
I am so sorry for your terrible loss, Sue and family. Please accept my sincere sympathy and condolences.
Sue and Leonard,
I would like to express my deepest sympathy at the loss of your son. The world has lost a great one.
Sincerely,
Pete Silva
Sending much love and support to all of you at this time. Please let me know if there is any way to be helpful. May the wonderful memories you have be a comfort.
My deepest sympathy and care being sent to you all.
Although we did not know Phillip, we can tell by the tribute to him written here that he was such a fine young man. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of Phillip in your lives.
I met Phil through Meillisa Blondin and he was the smartest, most gentle man that entered their family. He was a companion to Layne that words cannot express. My most sincere condolences on the the loss of him.
Sue and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Although I never knew Philip, I can see that he was a gifted, talented and caring young man. I hope your memories of him will give you strength at this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear of Philip's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, The Mahons
Dear Sue, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family at this difficult time.
I'm so sorry to hear. Phil was a sweetheart and a friend to so many of us when we needed him. He kickstarted my career and I owe much to him.
Rest in Peace Phil.
Dear sue, Len & Amy, I am so very sorry for your loss. In sympathy, maggie
Every family is its own little civilization, and Philip will remain a folkloric hero of ours. Who else would have noticed, and reveled in, the poster of the North Haven Country Fair hanging on Tony Soprano's office door? Or figured out how to score tickets to Pavarotti, and present them as a gift to his parents? Or found a room for Nick in Amsterdam from his computer at home (before Google, to boot)? Philip is probably the only suburban teenager in history who ever bought a membership to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. How fortunate we all are to have known and loved him.
I wish there were some magical words I could say that could take away the pain from this loss. I will forever cherish every moment we had together.
Phil was one of the most interesting, erudite, and kind people I have ever met. I always enjoyed our intellectually stimulating conversations and appreciated his helpful and heartfelt advice, generous and caring spirit, and impressively clever (yet entirely good-natured) sense of humor. I could not have asked for a better friend, and although I am greatly saddened at the loss of him and will miss him dearly, I feel very thankful to have known him. My heart goes out to all those who were close to him, especially his family, during this difficult time.
Dear Sue and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time and always. Judy
It sounds like the world has lost a real treasure and you and your family will always miss his gifts. My sincerest condolences to you and yours. It's not supposed to happen this way and may it comfort you to have memories . In the eternal scheme of things, there must be a reason.
Holly Clawson Bazarnickk
My sincere condolences to Phil's family and friends. I went to high school with Phil. He was very smart and witty…I remember how he made me laugh. Rest in peace, Phil.
i had the pleasure of goin to school with phil, although its been quite a few years i recognized his face long before i read this. i send my deepest sympathies to all those closest to him. i will certainly keep you all in my prayers.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
I'm so very sorry to learn of Phil's passing. He was truly one of the smartest people I had the pleasure of knowing as a classmate at NHHS. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Sue, Len and Amy,
Mike and I are truly saddened by your loss of a son and brother. Your faith, family strength, and comfort from many loved ones will help ease the sadness and pain at this time. You've said those words to others in the past and now at this time receive the love of many. You are in all of our hearts and prayers.
Our love to you.
He will be missed greatly.
Dear Sue, Len, and Amy ,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your dear son, Philip. Although your loss and sadness are deeply felt, I pray that the Lord will make Philip's memory eternal in your hearts. God bless you all during this trying period and bring you close together as you share the times you've had with your precious son and brother.
Lovingly,
Yvie Klancko
Wow, what a shock and a huge loss this is. I went to NHHS with him and spent much time with him group of friends. I'm so sorry for this terrible loss. Rest in peace, Phil.
Lenoard & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Darriell Rolka
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.
My sincere condolences to the Hill family. I knew Phil from grade school all the way through high school. He was a smart, kind and talented individual. Phil was always regarded by myself and his close friends as someone who could accomplish whatever he set his mind to. My memories of Phil will always be that of a warm, big hearted guy who loved and appreciated his friends.
I will always be grateful for having known Phil and always regard him as one of the greats. Phil dared to break the mold with his outside the box thinking and the world is surely a lesser place without him. I am so sorry for your loss.
Gabe and I want to express our sadness regarding Phillip's passing and send our love to the family. We are with you in spirit during this difficult time and wish you peace as you remember him.
Lots of love,
Heather and Gabe
Dear Sue and family,
What a special person Phillip was! Smart, talented, and committed to helping others! I truly hope in the time of despair that the wonderful memories of Phillip and his good works give you comfort.
Sincerely,
Lolly Dedman ( main office secretary when you worked at the high school)
Dear Sue, Len, and Amy, Just learned of your loss and I know no words can take away the pain, but Andy and I offer our deepest condolences. You are in our thoughts and hearts. Philip was loved by so many and will live on in the memories of so many people whose lives he touched. With love, Lois
To the Hill Family,
My sincere sympathy and condolences to you at this difficult time.
Phil was an amazing soul. Always had kind words along with challenging intelligent conversation. I feel lucky to have known him and will be eternally grateful to him for saving my life years ago. RIP dear friend, you will be greatly missed.
At this time i would like to express my sincerest condolences to the Hill family. I would also like to say that Phil and I grew up together and i always thought he was one of the coolest guys I've ever met. We played trumpet next to each other in band and would hang out outside of school as well growing up. I just had the chance to re connect with him recently via the internet and I was so happy to share a few old time laughs with him. He was an incredible man and will be missed dearly. May he rest in peace.
We are so sorry about your loss. Phil was one of my favorite students at North Haven High School. He built our first family computer. My wife and I will keep you in our prayers.
Dear Friends,
We are comforted and touched by your wonderful words about Philip and your expressions of love for him and for us. We are heartbroken, but your words ease the pain. Thank you so very much.
Dear Susan, Leonard and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love and light, and holding you in my heart.
Best,
Michele
Dear Sue, Len and Amy,
I'm sorry it has taken so long to convey my condelences. You know why (Mom). I can honestly say I know how you feel and wish there was a way to ease your pain. Only time and faith can do that. You know you are in our thoughts and always in our prayers. Too much sadness in such a short amount of time for our families. Our hearts are heavy but our faith and love for each other will always prevail and get us through the days ahead.
God be with you always!
Although we never met Phil, our link to him was through his wonderful sister, Amy, who was our colleague and has since remained our good friend. From reading about Phil, he seemed like a remarkable and gifted individual.
We send our love and sympathies to Amy and her parents.
I am very sorry for your loss. Phil was an extremely brilliant soul, one I will remember for years. We attended NHHS together and he had a way with words. Phil, you will be forever missed. RIP
Leonard, Susan and Family,
I was very saddened to learn of Philip's passing today. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Leslie
Len,Sue and Amy I know that there are no word to say that will ease you pain ,I will remember Phil in my prayers. I know this is a hard time right now, stay strong and help each other by remembering the wonderful son and brother and the joy he gave to you all, my deepest sympathy to the Hill family.
Leonard & Susan,
Finding the right words to express my sadness when learning of Phillip’s passing is not easy. I’m certain you are surrounding yourselves with all those special loving people who may be the most present, kind and caring for you. Know that I am thinking of you and holding you in prayer. Although I am out-of-town, I wish I could have been there with a hug and to hear the stories and memories of your precious son. I am certain he was the light of your life and a most unique and cherished young man.
Leonard,
My heart goes out to you and your family as I have just learned of the tragic loss of your son. I would have been at the funeral had I known, and feel very sad about missing that opportunity to be a support to you. While I never knew Peter, it is clear from the many condolences written, that he followed in your footsteps as one of the beautiful people in the world. He undoubtedly touched the lives of many, leaving a gift to those fortunate enough to have known him.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Cathy Markle