Obituary of Howard R. Hill, Jr.

Captain Howard R. Hill Jr. passed away “Crossed the Bar” on February 14, 2024, just two weeks before his 85th birthday. Howard was a lifelong resident of Staten Island, New York. He grew up in Great Kills, where his love for the water began. He lived close to the Great Kills Yacht Club and spent much of his childhood there. After graduating from New Dorp High School, Howard served two years in the United States Coast Guard. He was honorably discharged in 1960, after which he was sponsored and began his seven-year apprenticeship with the Sandy Hook Pilots Association. Becoming a pilot was a dream come true, and Howard always said that he never worked a day in his life because he loved his job so much. After 35 years of dedicated service and over 20 years in various committee positions, he retired from the Pilots. Howard enjoyed boating, working on cars, collecting antiques and art, gardening, traveling, entertaining friends and family, and watching all the boats come in and out of the harbor. He was a warm and funny person who made friends everywhere he went and frequently considered the life of the party. Howard was a founding member of the National Lighthouse Museum and a long-time supporter of The Alice Austen House, both located on Staten Island. He is survived by his loving daughters, Jennifer Aurora (Tom) and Nancy Cippitelli (David); five cherished grandchildren, Raymond Aurora, Matthew Aurora, Jack Aurora, Luca Cippitelli, and Stefano Cippitelli, as well as his nieces and nephews, Mia Hill, David Hill, Reg Norby (Helen), and Dorset Norby Star (Judson), and his twin brother Peter Hill. He is predeceased by his beloved sister, Dorset Norby. Howard will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all those who knew him. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Visitation at the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Saturday, 2/17, from 2:00 to 6:00 pm. A funeral service at the funeral home is scheduled for 4:00 pm.