J. Edward Hill, 94, passed peacefully at his home on Saturday evening. Ed, as he was known to all, was a lifelong resident of Syracuse.After attending High School, Ed enlisted in the United States Army, First Cavalry Division, 153rd Field Artillery Battalion. He served in the European Theater; including the Normandy Invasion, the Battle of Hurtgen Forest, the Battle of the Bulge, the Battle of the Ruhr Pocket, and the Northern France Campaign. Ed was awarded a Purple Heart and the French Croix de Guerre.Upon returning home he met the love of his life, Jeanette Fralick. They were married by Bishop David Cunningham on July 14, 1951. A “few” years later, Ed and Jennie welcomed their daughter, Katie, into the world.
During this time Ed was employed by the Post-Standard in advertising sales and also as garden editor. In 1973, Ed and Jennie started their own printing company, Creative Concepts, which they ran for 38 years until their retirement in 2011.Over the years, Ed was very active in German-American affairs. He was Vice-President of the United German-American Societies and sang in the Liederkranz Chorus. In 1981, Ed was honored with an award for serving as Master of Ceremonies of German Day and Toastmaster at the Washington Lincoln Annual Dinner for 14 years. He was also a founding member of the Arion Stein Club and a member of the Bavarian Club Almenrausch.
Active in politics for many years, Ed served as Treasurer of the Onondaga County Executive Committee, and as Chairman of the Syracuse City Committee of the Conservative Party. In 1994, Ed received the Karl and Lois Schulze Award in recognition of being chosen “Conservative of the Year”.
Ed was an avid reader and gardener, and most enjoyed being with family and friends spreading the “blarney”. As Katie says, “He was the smartest man I ever knew. Funny, kind and generous, and always willing to help those in need. He loved us beyond measure, and I could not have been blessed with a more wonderful father. He truly is my hero.”
Ed is survived by his beloved daughter and son-in-law, Katie and Tim Frazee; his greatest gifts, grandchildren, Emily and Matthew; and many beloved nieces and nephews. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Ed’s loving neighbors and friends, and all who touched Ed’s life with love, kindness, and friendship throughout the years; and eternal gratitude to his beloved Wright Family for all you are and all you did to enrich Ed’s life to the end.
Calling hours will be Friday, June 1st, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Gang Memorial Chapel, 104 Fordham Road, Syracuse. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 2nd, at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Pompei Church, 301 Ash Street, Syracuse.

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