TOPSFIELD – There will be a bone marrow donor registry this Friday in Topsfield held in honor of 2010 Masconomet High School graduate Zachary D. Hilton. (Details Below) MSONEWSPORTS thanks former Masconomet head football coach Jim Pugh for sharing this information with us. Hilton passed away earlier this year and his obituary is noted below
TOPSFIELD – Zachary Doyle Hilton, age 25 years, died from complications of influenza pneumonia on February 20 in Japan. He was the beloved son of Patricia Doyle and David Hilton.
“Zach” as he was lovingly referred to, grew up in the Masconomet tri-town area, where he made many life-long friends and participated in scouts, sports and community service. After graduating from Masconomet Regional High School in 2010, he attended Saint Anselm’s College, graduating in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Justice, a discipline that perfectly captured his persona. In addition to enjoying the usual college activities, Zach worked hard to broaden his life perspective and world view. He volunteered to teach English as a second language in the Cambodian and Vietnamese communities in Manchester NH, and traveled to Vietnam to experience the culture first hand.
Registered as a bone marrow donor since his freshman year in college, Zach was notified that he was a match for a recipient when he was a senior. Although it would dramatically change his final semester, Zach agreed to undergo the preparation and procedure without hesitation or fanfare. As a result, he quietly saved the life of a gentleman who would later express immeasurable gratitude for having been given more time to enjoy his own life and family.
After graduation, Zach was accepted into law school, but became intrigued by the idea of moving abroad to teach English. He accepted an opportunity to move to Ibaraki Ken, Japan to do so. Zachary, a wonderfully patient and engaging teacher, traveled between four different elementary schools in the region and was adored by his students. He embraced the culture whole heartedly and created close friendships with his coworkers. He consistently inspired his students to be creative and inquisitive. He enjoyed traveling through the country, reading, writing, studying medieval history and international cultures.
