Tony Hill

Born April 8, 1965, Tony was the second child of Ron and Pat Hill. He attended Hidden Valley Elementary, Stovall Jr. High, Aldine Sr. High and graduated from Northland Christian School in 1983. At Northland, he received Varsity Letter Awards in choir, basketball, and flag football. After graduation, Tony attended York Christian College and Michigan Christian College. During those years Tony made friendships that lasted throughout his lifetime.

Tony began his career in the restaurant business as a waiter for Pappas Seafood. His love of food and talent for hospitality led him to the Art Institute of Houston where he graduated with a Culinary Arts Degree. He managed several restaurants in Houston including The Original Pasta Company, La Madeleine and Campioni. At Campioni, Tony flourished as a chef, creating several dishes that are customer favorites to this day. It was not just his food that people enjoyed but also his welcoming personality. He was both a good listener and a good storyteller. Tony cherished the many friendships he made during his years in the restaurant business.

Following a ruptured brain aneurysm in 2010, Tony faced many challenges and struggles. He liked the John Wayne quote, “Courage is being scared to death, and saddling up anyway.” That sums up the way Tony lived during these years. It was difficult but Tony saddled up and persevered through the ups and downs with the help of his family and friends. His mother, Pat, was Tony’s best encourager and confidant. Her unconditional love provided the safe place Tony needed to endure the hardships of his life after the aneurysm.

Tony was a generous man who sought out ways to help others. Knowing that his blood type made him a universal donor, he donated blood regularly until circumstances prevented. When his father, Ron, needed a kidney transplant, Tony donated one of his. As a devoted member of Hidden Valley Church of Christ, Tony shared his time and talents as a deacon. In later years, he assisted in preparing communion and worked with the food pantry ministry. His faith in God sustained Tony through his life’s journey. The members of Hidden Valley Church of Christ were precious to him and he felt God’s love through their prayers and words of encouragement.

Tony was a caring father who was extremely proud of his children, Annalisa and Anthony. They share his sense of humor, love of music and faith in God. Tony cherished the many milestones of their lives. Annalisa’s graduation from college and Anthony’s career choice to study the restaurant industry were points of pride he shared with anyone who asked about his children.

Tony was an avid fan of Alabama Football, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Houston Astros, Journey, Tabasco Sauce, ping pong, poker, burgers, seafood, steak, American Pickers and Pawn Stars. He loved all types of music especially the 70’s and 80’s era. If you were ever around him when music was playing, he would ask you to name that song and the artist. He, of course, usually knew the answer and the year the song came out.

Tony was preceded in death by his Father Ron Hill. He leaves behind his daughter Annalisa Castillo and her husband Luis; his son Anthony Hill; his mother Patricia Hill; his sister Connie Hill; his brother Tommy Hill and his wife Alaina; his nephews Dustin, Carson and Ryan Hill; his aunt Evelyn Smith; his cousins Kerry, Brian, and Chris Smith; and many dear friends.

Our hearts are filled with grief over our loss but we are grateful for the time we spent with Tony on this earth. Tony is in the arms of the Savior where all pain and fear are replaced with peace and joy.

Memorial contributions may be made to the scholarship fund of:

Texas Brain Injury Camps for Adults

(sponsored by TX District Pilot Int’l Clubs)

Joanna Horton, Board President

P.O. Box 732

Winnsboro TX 75494

Email: [email protected]

TBI Camp Foundation is a 501(c)(3) and contributions are tax-deductible to the donor.

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