Edwin C. Hill

Edwin C. Hill, 62, Altoona, passed away Wednesday at UPMC Altoona following a long battle with multiple myeloma. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Harold M. and Winifred (Norris) Hill. On November 3, 1990 he married Melissa Burley.

He is survived by his loving wife; 3 sisters: Wanda Cramer, of Charleston SC, and Maxine Ricker and Cathy Woodring, both of Altoona.

Edwin was a 1976 graduate of Altoona High School. He worked at Stroehmann’s Bakery in Altoona until they closed. He used his considerable knowledge of cars to start his own business, Ed Hill’s Auto Repair and worked there until his health failed.

It is a known fact that Ed was a master storyteller. Sometimes he embroidered on the truth, but it usually made for a better story. Some of his stories were so outrageous that they were talked about for years. Ed could be a stone in your shoe or the best friend you ever had; sometimes at the same time. His temper was as legendary as his infectious laugh. By his own admission he was no saint. He drew people to him with the same easy charm he drew cats; a trait he shared with his father. After his diagnosis of terminal cancer he continued to take a big bite out of life. He never quit. Outsiders saw a different side of Ed than his friends and family. To his old and dear friends, he had a steadfast loyalty. In his parents’ declining years he stepped in to help his sisters in any way he could while still working full time. He was a prank-pulling, loving brother. But his wife, Melissa, was his everything. They held each other up through both their fights with cancer. The depth of his love was evident in his spoken wish that God would take his life and spare Melissa. He worried that he had not given her the life she deserved. What more could any wife hope for than the certain knowledge of her husband’s love.

Be at peace, Ed. Wait for us at the Gate. You’ll have the best story for us that you’ve ever told.

At this time no services will be held. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by Leslie E. Axe Funeral Home.

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