Gary Howard Hills

Gary Howard Hills, Sr., 58, of South Windsor and formerly of West Hartford and Hartford, lost his courageous battle with lung cancer on Tuesday (May 29, 2012) as he fought to the end with his caring family by his side. He was the loving husband of 40 years to Pamela (Cunningham) Hills. Born in Hartford on May 4, 1954 he was a resident of West Hartford for 29 years prior to moving to South Windsor 11 years ago. He was a graduate of Hartford Public High School, Class of 1972. Gary is now reunited with his late mother, Evelyn E. Ives and his late father, Charles C. Hills, his grandmother, ""Nanny"" Elsa V. Andrew, his sister-in-law, Karen (Pixely) Laurel, and all the rest that had passed before him. Along with his beloved wife, Pam, he will be missed deeply by his two children: daughter, Heather Hills-Connelly and her fiancé Dean Grover, of Middletown; son, Gary H. Hills, Jr., and his wife, Rose, of Carnegie, PA. Dad we will never forget you. Memories of you will be shared with your two grandsons, Jacob M. DeBaker and R. Brad Connelly, and your granddaughter, Karen Mae Hills. Gary also leaves behind a brother, Brian J. Ives, Sr., and his wife, Mary, of South Windsor and their three children, Brian J. Ives, Jr. and his fiancée, Melissa Cote, Torrie M. Ives, and Theresa V. Ives; a brother-in-law, John B. Cunningham and his wife, Katie, of Torrington; a sister-in-law, Kathleen L. Thomas and her husband, Mike, of Maryville, TN; along with many nieces and nephews. Gary worked for the City of Hartford as the Public Works Dispatcher for over ten years and he loved what he did. It was a new adventure everyday. Before this he drove trucks for over thirty years and this is where his heart was, for he loved to drive. Gary was there when you needed him through thick or thin, better or worse. He got the job done or made you laugh. He left an everlasting impression on you whether he spent five seconds or a life time with you. His family thanks' him for everything that he did for them and anyone else that needed it. Gary ""May you enjoy your pancakes for ever and ever!!""

A celebration of Gary's life will be held on Wednesday (June 6th) at 5 p.m. at the D'ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on Wednesday afternoon from 3-5 p.m. Gary's family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and special thanks to the entire staff at Interim Hospice Care in Farmington, and especially his nurse, Joseph Gilbert, for his professionalism, care, and compassion given to Gary and his entire family. For any on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com