Arthur W. Hill, Jr., (June 17, 1933 - August 15, 2026) a cherished educator, devoted husband, and beloved friend, was born in Buffalo, NY, to Arthur W. Hill, Sr. and Winifred Rowley Hill. Art, as he was affectionately known, grew up in a family that valued education and faith, laying the foundation for a life dedicated to both.
As a young child, Art moved with his family to Wilmington, DE, where he attended Wilmington Friends School, completing his high school education there. His academic journey continued at Colgate University, and he later graduated from Wheaton College with a bachelor’s degree. Having a love of learning and a passion for teaching, Art earned a Master of Education degree from Springfield College in Massachusetts.
In his personal life, Art was a man of wisdom, integrity, compassion, and generosity. He and his wife, Margaret “Peg” Barron, whom he married on June 24, 1955, shared 70 wonderful years together, marked by love, hospitality, and shared adventures. They were devoted partners, wholeheartedly serving the schools and churches in which they were involved. They loved their family and many friends well.
In the mid-1950s, Art served his country with honor in the Army, embodying the principles of duty and service that he carried throughout his life. Shortly after his military service, he embarked on a distinguished career in education, returning to Wilmington Friends School as a teacher, coach and middle school principal. “Coach” is remembered not only for his competitive teams but the life values he instilled in his players. His leadership and vision led him to serve as headmaster at Lexington Christian Academy in Massachusetts, Hawthorne Christian Academy in New Jersey, and Annapolis Area Christian School in Maryland.
Art’s commitment to education was paralleled by his dedication to his faith. He served on the boards of Eastern University in St. Davids, PA, and Faith Care medical mission. He was a founding member of Brandywine Valley Church. During his time in Maine, he was an active member of Spruce Head Community Church. Art’s deep understanding of the Scriptures and his passion for communicating God’s Word were evident in the many Bible studies and Sunday School classes he taught.
Art was an avid sports fan, with a particular interest for football and basketball. He cherished the coast of Maine. He and Peg also loved dogs, particularly Boxers. His life was full of friendship, family and his faith in God.
Art was predeceased by his parents, stepmother Thelma Hill, sister Alice Hill Aikman, sisters and brothers-in-law Jane and Oscar Hirt, Marion and Wills Burrowes, nephew Herb Hirt, and his beloved wife, Peg. His surviving family and close friends hold his memory dear, celebrating a life well-lived.
The family wishes to express their profound gratitude to the staff at WillowBrooke Court, Cokesbury Village, for their compassionate care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations in Art’s memory may be made to Brandywine Valley Church, 7 Mt Lebanon Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803, Spruce Head Community Church,18 Village Road, South Thomaston, ME 04858, or FaithCare, Inc., 621 Centre Ave, Reading, PA 19601.
Art’s legacy of love, learning, and faith will continue to inspire all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His life echoes the Apostle Paul’s words, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
A celebration of Arthur’s life will be held at Brandywine Valley Church, 7 Mt. Lebanon Road, Wilmington, DE 19803 on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 2PM.
To send online condolences please visitwww.mccreryandharra.com
