John Shaffer Hill

TROY - John "Shaffer" Hill, 89, passed away at home on Monday, July 14, 2014 after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family and friends. The son of the late John L. Hill and Susie P. Hill of Dadeville, Alabama, he was known to some as "John," to many as "Shaffer," and always as "Big Brother" to his siblings. Born and raised in Buttston, Alabama, he served with honor in the US Navy for the duration of WWII in the Pacific Theatre aboard the USS Ottawa and eventually settled in Troy, NY after the war. John met and married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Marano of Troy NY in 1951; they were married for 55 years during which time they devoted themselves to raising their four children. Shaffer was employed by Bendix/ Martin Marietta, in Green Island, NY, retiring after 32 years.

He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Elizabeth, his sisters Lillie Mae, Edna, Verona, Gene (Cady), Evelyn, and Elaine, survived by his brothers Hoyt W. Hill, Esq., and Dr. Paul D. Hill, both of Opelika Alabama, his children Joseph (Lisa) of Clifton Park, NY, John of Albany NY, Brian (Sandy), of North Attleboro MA, and Mary Beth, of Watervliet, NY, as well as his adored grandchildren Maureen Hill, University of Amherst, MA and Matthew Hill of Clifton Park, and many, many nieces, and nephews.

His greatest joys in life were his faith and his family. An avid outdoorsman in his younger days, he also enjoyed watching college football, an Auburn University fan, trading jokes with his grandchildren and attending family reunions in Alabama.

The family would like to thank his many friends at Diamond Rock Terrace, who showed their love and support in Shaffer's final days, as well as the Nursing staff at Samaritan Hospital, the Hospice Associations of Rensselaer and Albany Counties, as well as Rensselaer County meals on wheels. With special thanks given for his caregivers, Bree, Kim, and Laura in his last days and hours.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 am at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, 25 115th Street, Troy. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie.