David James Hill, 77, passed away on July 7, 2026, of complications from Parkinson’s disease.
David was born in Olean, New York, to R. James Hill and Marion Cushman Hill. He attended Georgetown University before getting his J.D. from Harvard Law School. He is predeceased by his parents and his younger sister, Patricia Bjornsti. He is survived by his wife Louise (Blanchard) Hill of Marblehead; two sons, Matthew Hill and Warren Hill; and his sister, Carole Lopez of Dayton, Ohio.
While studying at Harvard, David met his wife, Louise, and moved to Washington, D.C. to work at the Federal Trade Commission. He then entered private practice at Pierson, Semmes & Bemis in Georgetown before beginning a long tenure at Skadden Arps, where he represented major electric utilities and natural gas pipelines. He was strongly dedicated to his pro bono work and was a fierce advocate for his clients from the Innocence Project.
David and Louise had fond memories of their 12 years living in Glover Park, Washington, D.C., where they shared many neighborhood block parties and sports events with their two boys growing up. During his many business travels to New Orleans, David acquired a passion for Cajun food and would bring home a cooler of crawfish to cook recipes from Paul Prudhomme’s cookbook.
David was known for his hard work ethic, his compassionate outlook and steadfast support for his family. He was an avid reader who loved spy novels and the New York Times crossword. He enjoyed photography and developed photos in his own darkroom. While presenting a serious demeanor, he had a dry sense of humor, his jokes often flying over everyone’s head. He will be greatly missed.
David’s family expressed their gratitude to The Residence at Vinnin Square, Compassionate Care Hospice, and Patriarch Healthcare for their tireless and loving care for David and his family.
A visitation will be held on Friday, July 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Eustis & Cornell, 142 Elm St., Marblehead. Donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation or Innocence Project would be greatly appreciated.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for David’s family may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com.
