Joseph Donald Hills, 74, of Juniata Township, passed away at his home on his farm on August 11, 2026, with his wife, Stephanie, and son, Aza, at his side.

Born in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, on August 1, 1952, Joe was a descendant of William Hills, who immigrated from England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1632 on the ship William and Francis. As an avid reader, Joe researched and was proud of his heritage. Growing up, Joe loved exploring the woods and streams in his area. On one occasion, while attempting to build a telecommunications system using string and two cans with his older brother, Bruce, Joe fell 75 feet from a tree, miraculously breaking only his arm.

As a high school senior, he moved to Arendtsville and wrestled, completing a very successful season and post-season before graduating from Biglerville in 1970. He later attended St. Francis University for one semester before he and Bruce traveled across the country, eventually settling in San Francisco. Undeterred by his childhood fall, he and his brother started a painting company, working on stories of scaffolding to paint the homes and businesses on the San Francisco hillsides. Being close to his grandmother, Mary, and his Aunt Lu, he traveled back to his hometown to stay with them from time to time. It was during one of these visits in 1974 that he had a New Year's Eve date with Stephanie, which was followed that summer by a wedding. They recently celebrated 52 years of friendship and marriage.

In 1977, Joe established J. D. Hills Co. and for 25 years, was highly sought after for his painting and paper hanging skills. He also cleaned chimneys with the goal of saving extra money to buy their dream property, and in 1988, he and Stephanie purchased their farm in Bedford County. Ponds were made from the natural springs and stocked with a Zetts Lake pond package. Together with Aza, they built a large greenhouse where he would grow his own vegetable plants according to organic gardening practices he had followed since their first garden in 1974. This expanded into acres of vegetables. Visitors would leave with enough stories and produce to share with family, friends, and neighbors.

Joe was a passionate beekeeper, caring for over 300 beehives at one point and transporting them to orchards for pollination. He also tapped trees and built a maple camp for making syrup. His main agricultural crop, which garnered sales across the United States as far away as Alaska, was his hard neck garlic. He was a man who truly loved trees and planted thousands of fruit, nut, and evergreen trees on the farm.

Among his most memorable experiences were his kayaking trips, especially paddling down the Pine Creek Gorge with Aza. He also thoroughly enjoyed backpacking trips as family vacations. Joe was a multi-talented man who completed his own building, plumbing, electrical, stonework, and equipment maintenance. He was an extremely generous, honest, and kind man who took the time to help anyone, listen, and share his love of the Lord, living his life accordingly.

Joe will be truly missed by family, friends, and neighbors. As one neighbor stated, "Thank you for being the best neighbor I ever had." A celebration of his life will be ongoing.

The family requests privacy at this time, and friends are encouraged to remember to take time in their lives to reach out to others who may be in need.

Arrangements are under the care of Geisel-Styer Funeral Homes.