José “Pepe” Antonio Hill Jr., 59, passed away peacefully from this life and through the gates of heaven on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 after a battle with stomach cancer, which he fought admirably. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend, godfather, and boss. He was born in Havana, Cuba on October 26, 1956 and came to Jacksonville, Florida in 1961, where he lived for the remainder of his life. He was preceded in death by his father, José Antonio Hill Sr. His surviving family includes the love of his life, his wife of 33 years, Ann, his sons Peter (fiancé Ashley) and Mac, his loving mother, Peggy, his sisters, Margarita, Carmen (George), and Maria (Michael), his brother, Peter (Jennifer), his nieces and nephews, Jenny (Roland), Melissa (Steve), Ryan (fiancé Melody), Alex (Cassie), Allyssa, Zach, Alaina, Olivia, Roman, José, and Carmen, Jack, Justin, Sophia, and A.J. Additionally, Pepe is remembered by large extended family, in-laws, and hundreds of friends, all of whom he loved dearly.
Pepe was a friend to all and a stranger to none. His way of life has long been termed, “Pepetopia,” because he always found happiness and humor no matter how bad the situation. He lived in joy and his joy was contagious. He was an amazing husband and father, who made countless sacrifices in order to give his family a great life. He was a man of deep faith in Jesus, who was the driving force of his life and the source of his joy. He exemplified Christ’s command to love one’s neighbor as oneself. He never looked at his illness as a curse, but rather as a blessing and his cross to carry. It brought him closer to God than ever before and was his path to heaven.
Pepe was a licensed land surveyor and the owner and operator of Clarson & Associates land surveying company, which he purchased from his father. His passion for surveying was the source of the company’s growth and success. He greatly enjoyed surfing, golf, football, basketball, boating, and a nice glass of scotch. He went on many surf trips with his family and friends, and played almost enough golf to make a career out of it. He loved to have a good time and he ensured others did as well. Throughout all of his successes and blessings, Pepe remained humble and thanked God daily.
The vigil will take place at Ponte Vedra Valley funeral home on Friday, July 22, from 6-8 pm. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Jacksonville Beach at 11:00 am on Saturday, July, 23. There will be a party to celebrate Pepe’s life at the Hill household from 12:30 pm-whenever. For the party all are encouraged to wear something that reminds them of Pepe. The address of the home is 1873 Evans Dr. S, Jacksonville Beach, FL, 32250.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Pepe’s name to FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) at the University of Florida campus. The link can be found below.
