Tappan Zee High School

Obituary

Richard J. Hillis, a longtime resident of Suffern, NY, passed away on December 31, 2005. He was 72. Dick was born on December 14, 1933 in Binghamton, NY to the late Margaret and Robert Hillis. Dick received his bachelor's degree in education from the University of Scranton ('58) and a master's degree in guidance from the University of Notre Dame ('60). He remained an active alumnus for both schools, and served on the Board of Governors for the University of Scranton's alumni association. Dick was a teacher and school administrator for 30 years. He began his career as an English and history teacher and guidance counselor in Chenango Valley/Endicott school districts in upstate New York, before serving for 20 years as an assistant principal at South Orangetown Middle School and Tappan Zee High School. He was active in the NY State Administrators' Association and served as president of the South Orangetown Administrators' Association. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Linda Hillis; his three sons, Matthew Hillis of Brewster, NY; Richard Hillis, Jr. (Michelle) of San Francisco, CA; and Martin Hillis (Christina) of Snoqualmie, WA; his brother, John Hillis of Binghamton, NY; his aunt Regina Tripp of Binghamton, NY; five grandchildren: Christopher, Jessica, Patrick, Liam and Margaret Hillis; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his twin brother, Robert Hillis, Jr. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, January 7 at 10 am at St. Catherine's Church in Blauvelt, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.