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Harry E. Hill, 57; was leader of Overbrook String Band

Harry E.Hill

By Walter F. Naedele, Inquirer Staff Writer

Posted: October 03, 2012

Harry E. Hill, 57, of Phoenixville, captain of the Greater Overbrook String Band from 1991 to 1996 and from 2000 to 2001, died of lung cancer on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Seasons Hospice at Phoenixville Hospital.

Born in Norristown, Mr. Hill graduated from Bishop Kenrick High School there in 1972 and had worked as an equipment operator for PennDot in Chester County since 2004.

In the 1980s and 1990s, he drove a milk delivery truck for what is now Clover Farms in Reading.

He was a life member of Trappe Fire Company No. 1.

Mr. Hill was a member of the Overbrook band from 1976 to 2003. He then played with the Woodland String Band.

He is a member of both the Mummers Hall of Fame and the String Band Hall of Fame.

In the 1970s and 1980s, he sang and played drums for two country-western groups, Les Cleaver and the Gallant Riders, and Rainbow 4+2.

Besides his son, Mr. Hill is survived by his daughter, Shauna LaMagna; four grandchildren; and his former wife, Barbara Mellinger.

A visitation was set from 2 to 3:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4 at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Third and Reed Streets, Philadelphia, before a 3:30 p.m. Funeral Mass there. A graveside service was set for noon Saturday, Oct. 6 at Green Tree Cemetery, 1078 Egypt Rd., Oaks.

Donations may be sent to the Woodland String Band, P.O. Box 33221, Philadelphia 19142.

Contact Walter F. Naedele at 215-854-5607 or wnaedele@phillynews.com.