Exeter, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Dr. Lucius Tuttle Hill, Jr. passed away suddenly, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in surgery, community involvement, and a passion for golf and sailing. Known for his leadership and dedication, Luke was a pillar of the Seacoast community. His life, marked by achievements in medicine and cherished family moments, will be remembered fondly by many. A memorial service is planned to honor his contributions and love for the outdoors.
Exeter
Dr. Lucius Tuttle Hill, Jr., — A Life Measured in Surgeries, Sails and Soft Spikes
In a story that reads like a classic clubhouse tale, the Seacoast community is remembering one of its steady hands and colorful characters. Dr. Lucius Tuttle Hill, Jr., known to friends and family simply as Luke, passed away suddenly from an aneurysm on July 22, 2025, at Riverwoods Exeter. He was 93.
This is the kind of obituary a golf writer leans into: a figure who lived long, stayed competitive, loved the outdoors, and walked between two demanding worlds — the precise, high-stakes realm of surgery and the relaxing, tactical joys of sailing and golf. Luke’s life felt like a round played at match point: measured, steady, and occasionally aggressive when the situation demanded it.
From Boston roots to a long tee time in Exeter
Born on March 23, 1932, in Boston to Helen Isham Hill and Lucius Tuttle Hill of Brookline, he came up through notable schools — Dexter School, Milton Academy, Yale College, and McGill University School of Medicine, where he graduated second in his class. His early career included an internship and residency in General Surgery at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston, a training ground known for producing surgeons with nerves of steel and hands of silk.
A surgical career with clubhouse leadership
Luke joined the Exeter Clinic in 1965 and spent 33 years practicing general and breast surgery at Exeter Hospital, rising to the role of Chief of Surgery. He also served as Medical Director of Seacoast Hospice and took leadership roles in cancer liaison programs and surgical societies. In golf terms, he was both a top player and a club president — someone who not only shot low scores but also helped shape the course.
A life off the course that felt like match play
Away from the OR and clinic, Luke was deeply involved in his community. He was one of the original Trustees of Riverwoods Exeter, sang bass with the Rockingham Choral Society, and directed Exeter Youth Hockey. He and his late wife Nancy Moore Hill built a summer home in Pocasset, Massachusetts, where he loved racing his Herreshoff 12 ½. In retirement he re-discovered golf and bridge, playing both as often as his social calendar allowed. He was also a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox — a team with a habit of long games and dramatic comebacks, much like some of the long afternoons Luke enjoyed on the links.
Family, legacy and one last green
Luke married Nancy in 1956. They enjoyed 57 years of marriage before Nancy passed away in 2013. He leaves behind four children — Lucius Tuttle Hill III (Wendy), Elizabeth Thayer Hill (David Hainsworth), Peter Isham Hill, and Susannah Hill (Philip Pattarelli) — and five grandchildren: Harry Bartlett Hill, Charlie Isham Hill, Lydia Bross Hill, Nicholas Daniels Hill, and Andrew Moore Pattarelli. For golfers who measure life in family matches and multi-generation foursomes, his legacy reads like a club championship trophy case with names to pass down.
Memorial and how to honor him
A memorial service is scheduled for September 13, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Exeter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Luke’s name to the Environmental Defense Fund, reflecting his love of the outdoors and stewardship that mirrored how he treated courses and coastline alike.
Final putt
There’s a kind of quiet dignity to Luke’s story that will resonate with players who appreciate the grind, the practice range hours, and the friendships formed over a shared round. He combined technical excellence — the kind you need to operate with precision — with the social instincts of a man who loved clubs, teams, and community causes. To the many who knew him, he’ll be remembered as someone with a smile at the clubhouse door, a steady swing, and a lifetime of good will.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Dr. Lucius Tuttle Hill, Jr. pass away?
He passed away suddenly from an aneurysm on July 22, 2025, at Riverwoods Exeter at the age of 93.
When and where will the memorial service be held?
The memorial service is scheduled for September 13, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Exeter.
Who survives him?
He is survived by his four children: Lucius Tuttle Hill III (Wendy), Elizabeth Thayer Hill (David Hainsworth), Peter Isham Hill, and Susannah Hill (Philip Pattarelli), and five grandchildren: Harry Bartlett Hill, Charlie Isham Hill, Lydia Bross Hill, Nicholas Daniels Hill, and Andrew Moore Pattarelli.
How can people honor his memory?
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Environmental Defense Fund.
What were some of his notable community roles?
He served as Chief of Surgery at Exeter Hospital, Medical Director of Seacoast Hospice, New Hampshire State Chairman for the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer Liaison Program, and was one of the original Trustees of Riverwoods Exeter. He was also involved with local music and youth sports organizations.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Dr. Lucius Tuttle Hill, Jr. (Luke) |
| Age at death | 93 |
| Date of death | July 22, 2025 |
| Place | Riverwoods Exeter |
| Memorial service | September 13, 2025, 2:00 PM — First Unitarian Universalist Society of Exeter |
| Donation preference | Environmental Defense Fund |
| Survived by | Four children and five grandchildren |
| Notable interests | Golf, sailing (Herreshoff 12 ½), bridge, choral music, youth hockey, Boston Red Sox fan |
For golfers and community members alike, Luke’s life was a long, well-played round. He leaves behind a scorecard full of service, family and pastime stories that will be traded in clubhouses and kitchens for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Seacoast Online Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Legacy.com Obituary
- Google Search: Obituaries
- Lambert Funeral Home Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- CSNH Obituary
- Google News: Obituaries
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
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