Graham Lee Hill, 71, died after a brief illness on October 2, surrounded by his family at the Veterans Hospital in Johnson City, Tenn. He was a longtime resident of Sandy Hook and Southbury, and in recent years had retired to Telford, Tenn. Born on January 25, 1945, in Johnson City, Mr Hill and was raised by his loving mother, Mary "Charmie" Hammitt, and stepfather, Samual Hammitt, who both preceded him in death.

He was a Vietnam veteran who served the US Army in the 188th infantry. He was a paratrooper serving in an air assault unit stationed in Germany, and Fort Benning, Georgia.

Mr Hill was a jack of all trades, he worked for many years at Viking Wire in Danbury. He enjoyed sales of all sorts, and he retired as a small business owner of an excavation company located in Sandy Hook. He was a proud volunteer firefighter for the Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company..

He enjoyed all sports, playing cards, and spending time with his friends and family. He could often be found at the Glen Road Auto Body shop, or the Sandy Hook Deli, and always had a good joke or tale to tell.

Mr Hill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. Many loved ones, including his wife and best friend of 41 years, Beth Ford Hill; his children Ivy Palmer, Crystal Lee Hill, and Jesse Hill and future daughter-in-law Sheyla Fajardo; his grandchildren, Ethan Palmer, Emily Palmer, Anthony Valle-Fajardo, and Samantha Fajardo; special "daughter of the heart" Samantha Vaughn and "grandson of the heart" William Vaughn survive him. He also leaves behind his brother and sister-in-law Sammy and Jeanine Hammitt and their daughter, as well as sister and brother-in-law Mary and Juan Laremont and her children. Also, he shared a special bond and is survived by his sister and brother-in-law Janet and Culver Bolmer and their children.

No services are scheduled at this time in respect to Mr Hill's request. He did not want all the "hoopla." His family will be taking time to remember how in even the saddest moments, he never lost his sense of humor. He was always joking and hopes others will do the same.