Gregory S. Hillman, 21
POWNAL, Vt. â€' Gregory Scott Hillman, 21, of Darien, Conn., and North Pownal drowned in the Hoosic River in North Adams, Mass., sometime between July 4, 2009, and July 8, 2009.
Born in Stamford, Conn., on July 1, 1988, son of Peter and Lisa Hillman of Darien and North Pownal, he graduated from Brunswick School in Greenwich, Conn., in 2007 and completed his freshman year at Reed College in Portland, Ore. Since September 2008, he had been on medical leave from Reed.
Family said he had an intellect that plumbed beyond the ordinary intellectual. He was a highly accomplished musician, playing guitar, piano, keyboards, bass and drums. He also was a composer, lyricist, singer and songwriter, and played and recorded in a long string of bands from an early age. He also was a good athlete and particularly enjoyed basketball and baseball.
Described as generous, sensitive, full of humor, iconoclastic, and loving, Mr. Hillman was a spirited individual. He was beloved by many friends, to whom he was faithfully devoted, always making himself available in a time of need. May his spirit and soul live forever in ours, wished family.
Besides his parents, he leaves two brothers, Preston Hillman of Seattle and Spencer Hillman of Darien; a sister, Amanda Hillman of North Pownal; maternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Beizer of Bethesda, Md.; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, including Catherine E. Beizer of Rockville, Md. and James S. Hillman of Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.
FUNERAL NOTICE â€' Burial for Mr. Hillman will be private. A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 6:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church in Darien, Conn. All are welcome to attend and to visit his Facebook page "Gregory Hillman â€' With us in Spirit Forever."
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Gould Farm (Attn Sally Evans or Mary Brant), PO Box 157, Monterey, MA 01245 or Stamford Hospital Foundation, 30 Shelburne Road, PO Box 9317, Stamford, CT 06904. Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, North Adams, is in charge of arrangements.