Joseph Lill

Joseph Lill of Rock Hall, MD, died Friday, June 22, 2012, at Memorial Hospital in Easton, MD. He was 83. Joseph Lill was born October 28, 1928, in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Joseph Lill and Rose Alice “Zell” Lill. Joe graduated from Frankford High School in 1946 where he participated in football and track among other school activities. During his high school summer vacations, he was employed by the Bell Telephone Co. of PA. Joe joined the U.S. Army at age 17 (with parents' approval) and served as a rifleman in the 88th Infantry Division and Trust in Italy. Following an honorable discharge, he completed 2 ½ years of schooling at Temple University where he earned a major letter in football. Joe volunteered during the Korean War and was accepted as a Naval Aviation Cadet in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of the 1952 NAS Pensacola football team (undefeated). Joe became a member of Patrol Squadron Eight after receiving his “Wings of Gold” as a Naval Aviator and Ensign. Joe retired from the USNR as a Commander. On September 26, 1953, Joe and Doris Eleanor “Bugs” Bedwell were married. Joe and Doris were high school friends. The Lill family moved to Rock Hall, MD, in August 1962 and are still living in the same home in Piney Neck. Joe received a Batchelor's Degree (Cum Laude) from the University of Maryland and a Master's Degree from Washington College. He was a teacher and athletic coach at Rock Hall High School and Kent County High School retiring in 1989. Joe was certified by the State of Maryland in Mathematics, Physical Education, and Vocational Carpentry and held an advanced professional certificate. Joe was a lifetime member of the following organizations, Association of Naval Aviation, Naval Reserve Association, Military officers Association of America, American Legion Post 228, Maryland Congress of Teachers and Parents. Joe was also a member of the 88th Infantry Division Association, Patrol Squadron Eight Alumni Association, Aircraft owners and pilot Association, VFW Post 15021, Order of the Arrow (BSA). He served in the 1960’s as the Sunday School Superintendent at St. Paul’s Kent Episcopal Church. He was an amateur radio operator( KA3WQH) and a commercial aircraft pilot with single and multi-engine land and instrumental ratings. Joe’s life was really centered around his family and their home, the entire family contributed greatly in the construction, landscaping, decoration, and maintenance of their home. Family gatherings with all the aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents were always a highlight. Joe is survived by his four children, Joseph Roland, Michele Ashley, Patricia Anne and Jeffrey Robert; daughter-in-law, Kathy; son-in-law, Joe; and nine grandchildren, Miriam, Becky, Anna, Joey, Ashley, Stephanie, Peter, Zach, Brad; and six great-grandchildren, Hayley, Mason, Dominic, Destiny, Finn and Braylee. Joe’s brother, Dave, and sister, Rose Marie McKinley, predeceased Joe. Joe always felt blessed as God allowed him a wonderful life with a loving wife, caring children, and grandchildren and a great place to live within a great country. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 7, 2012, at 11a.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, 130 Speer Rd., Chestertown, MD. Friends may call one hour prior. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.fhnfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the Rock Hall Vol. Fire Co., P.O. Box 577, Rock Hall, MD 21661.

Joseph Lill

October 28, 1928 - June 22, 2012