Donald Alfred Hill

Donald (Don) Alfred Hill was born June 7, 1961 in Youngstown, OH, the youngest child of the Late Robert Allen Hill and Josephine Johnson Hill. He was educated in the Youngstown Public School System and later received his Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in Fiber Optic Technology from Video Technical Institute in Dallas, Texas.

Don proudly served a tour of duty in the United States Coast Guard. During his time at sea, he experienced moments of challenge, courage, and camaraderie that he would later recount with vivid detail. He often regaled family and friends with rescue stories and unforgettable experiences from his days on the water.

Don had aspired to become a radioman and successfully passed the required examination with flying colors. Although he was ultimately passed over for the role, that moment reflected his intelligence, determination, and willingness to step forward when called.

His early church life began at Price Memorial AME Zion Church, where he was an active and engaged youth member. The foundation of faith planted there became a steady anchor throughout his life. That early spiritual grounding carried him through every season — shaping the way he showed up in the world. Don wore a constant smile, greeted everyone warmly, and had a way of making people feel truly seen and valued. Whether friend or stranger, he spoke to people with kindness and genuine interest, leaving them better than he found them.

Because Don lost his father at the young age of six, his mother was intentional about surrounding him with strong male role models. His older brothers, Robert and Adger, became steady examples of strength, guidance, and love.  It was through them that his love for sports was born. Don grew up cheering alongside his big brothers, and that passion never faded. He was an avid Cleveland Browns fan — faithful through every season — always believing this would be the year they brought it home.

Donald was truly on the frontier of fiber optic technology. His degree opened doors that led him to work with nationally recognized companies including Lowe’s and Wendy’s, where his technical skill and steady presence made a lasting impact. As part of the team of technicians responsible for data installations and Point of Sale systems in newly constructed Lowe’s stores, Donald helped lay the technological groundwork for locations across the country. His work lives on in stores spanning from the East Coast to the West Coast — a quiet but remarkable footprint woven into communities nationwide.

During his time supporting Wendy’s, Donald traveled throughout the continental United States troubleshooting and maintaining data terminals. His expertise and reliability made him a trusted resource wherever he was sent.

Donald later found a professional home at DataBank, where he served as a Data Operations Technician II. More than a workplace, DataBank became family. He was respected for his knowledge, admired for his work ethic, and loved for his warmth and humor. His colleagues were deeply saddened by his illness and held onto hope that he would one day return. That love speaks volumes about the kind of man he was. In every company he served, Donald left more than completed projects — he left lasting impressions.

Donald was the father of three children: Donald A. Jr., whom he proudly named after himself; Andrea; and his youngest daughter, Laneta, who held a special place in his heart. When Laneta made him a grandfather, it became one of the sweetest seasons of his later years, and he shared a tender bond with his granddaughter Nova.

Donald was the youngest of eight children, a role he embraced with both humility and humor. His favorite line was, “I just do what they tell me to do,” a playful nod to being the baby of the family — though everyone knew he carried far more wisdom and strength than he let on. He was the best brother anyone could ask for — steady, dependable, and always present. If you needed him, he was there. Distance was never an obstacle. Donald traveled wherever he was needed, showing up with quiet loyalty and unwavering love.

To our children and grandchildren, he was the favorite uncle — intentional with his time, generous with his attention, and deeply invested in their lives. Each of them carries a story, a laugh, a moment that now rests as a beautiful memory.

His love for family ran so deep that he affectionately nicknamed us “The League of Extraordinary Family,” a title that made us all stand a little taller. He once joked that our home life reminded him of a classic television family, lovingly calling us the “Black Ozzie and Harriet” — his way of celebrating the closeness, laughter, and togetherness that defined our household. That same devotion extended to his many friends — friendships that, for many, spanned more than fifty years, beginning in childhood and enduring through every season of life.

During his illness, those lifelong bonds became even more evident. On Sunday evenings, a standing Zoom call became a sacred space of laughter, encouragement, storytelling, and love — childhood friends faithfully showing up for their brother. It was a beautiful reflection of the kind of loyalty Donald had given so freely throughout his life.

Those who will forever hold his memory close include his son, Donald Jr and daughter Andrea, both of Cedar Hill, Texas, daughter Laneta (Derrick) Lafeyette and granddaughter, Nova Lafayette all of Newark, NJ. Sisters Jayne E. Aiken of Willow Grove, PA, Linda M. Spencer, of Blacklick, OH, Agnes P. Tyndall of Clairton, PA, Sisters in laws, Charlene Hill, of Boardman, OH, and Brenda Hill of Austin, TX. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cherished friends — far too many to name, yet each deeply loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Joann Hill Olverson, brothers, Robert Allen Hill Jr, Adger Murray Hill and Qaiyim Abdul-Raheem (fka Rueben Otis Hill). Brothers in Laws, Richard Orie Spencer Sr., Bishop Joseph Charles Aiken Sr, and nephew, Richard Allen Olverson.

Visitation will be Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. at the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, 2821 Hillman Street, Youngstown, OH 44507.  A Celebration of Life service will follow at 10:00 a.m.

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