Arthur Ronald “Ron” Hill
May 4, 1935 - May 5, 2020
Arthur Ronald “Ron” Hill passed away on May 5, 2020, after a brief illness. He was born on May 4, 1935, in a home on Cleveland Avenue in Newark, Delaware, son of the late Arthur J. and Dorothy (Campbell) Hill. He is survived by Leslie, his wife of 57 years; son, David (Mandy); daughter, Carrie (David); and grandchildren, Chase, Natalie, and Andrew.
Ron worked for W.L. Gore & Associates for 38 years, retiring in 1999. Twenty of those years he lived in Harthausen, Germany and oversaw the company’s expansion into Europe. He enjoyed his work immensely and had many fond memories of his time with the enterprise.
Ron’s hobbies included painting, photography, flying model airplanes, and flying real airplanes after acquiring his private pilot’s license. His favorite hobby, however, was automobiles. He raced cars and trucks as a youngster. Later, he used his mechanical talents to build several hot rods including a 32 Ford Roadster, and a 34 Ford Coupe. He also owned, and enjoyed driving, several automobiles, all of which he kept in pristine condition. Ron was also known for helping others, his amazing sense of humor, and his love of German riesling.
Ron will be missed not only by his family and friends, but also by the many staff and patrons of the restaurants he and Leslie frequented throughout the years, notably, Baker’s Restaurant, Blue Crab Grill, Daddy’s Kitchen, Nick & Joe’s Pizza, Perkins, Skipjack, and Valle Cucina.
The family extends a heartfelt thank-you to Claude and Abou, Ron’s faithful and diligent caregivers for the last five years.
Services and interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ron’s honor may be made to the Food Bank of Delaware. https://www.fbd.org/onlinedonations/
Beth Hewlett Brown
I am truly saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. The world has lost an outstanding man. I have many fond memories of him. He still had the best smile anytime I saw him out and about! Know that you all are in my thoughts.
Marla Lawhorne
My heart is breaking today…I have never meet a more kinder gentler soul than Mr. Hill. I will remember all of the times he came to Crab for his half of grilled cheese and half french onion soup!!! I will miss you my friend. If there is anything Mrs. Hill that I can do for you or your family please do not hesitate…in my thoughts always. Marla
CHARLES MCALLISTER
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. We had good times working together at Gore. I know he will be missed by many, many people, for he touched so many lives.
God Bless All,
Charlie McAllister
Debi
Deepest condolences on Ron’s passing. My prayers for peace and comfort are with you at this time of loss.
Matthew Sweetman
To Les and the family – my heart goes out to all of you for the loss of Ron. He will be missed greatly. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Stay strong.
Anne Jackson
My deepest condolences to the Hill family and friends. Ron was such a delight to know. He always made me smile. May your fond memories give you comfort during this difficult time. God bless you all.
Cindy Bartosik
Leslie and family: Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Ron! I have many memories of breakfasts and lunches with the Woolworth’s and Perkins crew! He was a very kind and gentle spirit! Cindy and Frank Bartosik
Wayne von Stetten
Dear Hill Family, Your Dad made me feel really at home when I joined Gore in 1982. When I made my first trip overseas to Germany he personally picked me up at the old Munich Airport in his red Ferrari and took me to Aying for lunch. We shared a love of cars and whenI saw him at lunch at Anthony’s last Fall we shared those memories. Bill And Vieve only chose the best to get the Enterprise up and rolling! Deepest sympathies on your loss. WvS
Jim Crouse
Rest In Peace; the Angels have received a great man and you have earned a place with our God
May your family celebrate your life forever. We have all lost a great friend and heaven has gained a wonderful person.
Shannon Zeccola
Leslie and family,
So sorry for your loss. Ron was one of a kind and I will miss him at Valles. Sending prayers!
Matthew Sweetman
To Les and the family- I am so sorry for your loss. Ron was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and friend. I had the privilege of knowing him and I treasured every moment spent talking with him. He was truly an amazing person. My thoughts and prayers are with Les and the family. Stay strong.
Matt Sweetman
David Hill
Our deepest sympathies go out from Leroy Hill‘s four sons to your family.
Oskar Berger
My deepest condolences to the Hill family. Ron has been not only a longtime Gore Associates but a friend and supporter of many Gore Associates. His time in Germany has been the foundation of one of the most successful subsidiaries of Gore. I am very sorry about Ron’s passing
Volker Gronauer, W. L. Gore Germany
On behalf of Gore Germany we would like to express our deepest condolences to the Hill family. We will remember Ron as an Associate who had a major impact on Gore Germany. He played a major role in Gore’s expansion in Europe during the twenty years he and his wife Leslie stayed in Germany. Thank you Ron for your courage, from which we all in Europe benefit to this day. We’ll miss you!
Petra Tillmanns
I am so sorry to hear that Ron passed away – I will always remember Ron as a family friend a great supporter for the German plants – and for my father in his early days at Gore
Thoughts and prayer to all of you
Ron – You will always be remembered!
Petra Tillmanns
Juergen Harreiss
Dear Family Hill, I´m very sorry to hear that your/our loved Ron passed away…..my thoughts are with you !
I know Ron from the early Gore Pleinfeld days….I´m also long time with Gore .
Deep in the heart,
steadfast and devout,
there burns the light of love
that grief cannot put out.
Kind Regards
Juergen Harreiß
Hermann Schoerner
I like to express my deepest condolences to the family!
I joined GORE in 1986 (hired by Ralf Tillmanns and Volker Nebel)!
During this time I met Ron several times and I will remember him as a great Associate, Leader and Mentor.
He was living the “GORE Culture”!
Hermann Schoerner
Günter Zeller
Thank you for helping us to achieve this success, it is our responsibility to preserve and continue this legacy. My heartfelt condolences. Günter Zeller
Diana Poth
Deepest condolences on Ron’s passing to his familiy. Sorry I did not have the change getting you known, because I started later at Gore, but I would like to thank you building up Gore in Europe. God bless you.
Hanspeter Mauz
I am very sorry for your loss, with heartfelt condolences.
Wolfgang Zehnder
My deepest condolence goes to the whole Hill family, I have had only twice the pleasure to work with Ron. He was an outstanding man and a great example for our culture.
All the best
Wolfgang
Alexandra Fischer
My heart goes out to Leslie and Ron’s family. He has been a dear friend and I will never forget his help during my travels many years ago.
Volker Ballach
Being very sad to hear about Ron’s passing he will ever remain in the hearts of many Germany and European Associates. His contribution to broaden the footprint of Gore in Europe was immense. He was such a special person to many. All the best to Leslie and the entire family. Volker
Theo Baumann
My deepest condolence goes to the whole Hill family. Having joined Gore Pleinfeld in 1995, I had met Ron only a couple of times during meetings but felt on the same wave length immediately. This in combination with the high appreciation of Ron which I have encountered subsequently throughout the organization, formed a pattern of a great natural leader, and a great role model of our culture. I wish I would have had more personal time together and the chance to make it on his list of friends.
Theo
Jason Garber
I am sorry too hear about ron passing , i did tree work for him on his farm and at his sons Dave’s house for many years and i have too say he was the most down to earth,humble, and most kind person I’ve ever met …i always enjoyed doing any work needed on his beautiful farm, I wanted to give my condolences to dave. and his family . i am very saddened to hear this , the world was a much better place with RON in it ….Jason GARBER