Donald G. Hill

Donald Gene Hill died Sept. 5. He was 77.

Hill was born on Oct. 21, 1938 in Amarillo, Texas to Harry and Maureen Hill. He graduated from Tracy High School and worked at the Tracy Paper Mill and H.J. Heinz. He worked for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory as a machinist, a trade that he held an entire lifetime.

He was a car enthusiast, building and rebuilding “Hot Rods” and some were showcased in Street Rodder Magazine. Chrome ran through his veins; if he had an opportunity to paint it chrome, it would be chrome. His family and wife grew up in car shows all over California, where his cars won multiple accolades. Above all, he loved his grandchildren and family. He will be remembered as a remarkable husband, amazing father and special grandfather.

Hill is predeceased by his parents,  Harry and Maureen Hill and two brothers, Tommy Hill and Curtis Hill. 

He is survived by his wife of` 43 years, the love of his life, Christina “Rita” Hill of Manteca; children Michael Hill of Manteca, Leland Elliott (Inez) of Manteca, Susan (Hal) Hill Swartzlander of Plumas Lake, Marilyn (Joey) Vaughan of Manteca, and Lance Elliott of Lodi; 13 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He is also survived by one sibling, Eunice Brown of Benicia.  

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. at P.L. Fry and Son Funeral Home, 290 North Union Road, in Manteca. A Chapel Service will be held on Thursday, Sept.15 at 11 a.m. at P.L. Fry and Son Funeral Home. Hill will be laid to rest at Tracy Public Cemetery, 501 W. Schulte Road, in Tracy. Per family request, those attending are encouraged to bring their “Hot Rod” to follow in procession to Tracy Public Cemetery or to display outside P.L. Fry and Son as a tribute to Hill on the day of the service.