Russell Thomas Hillock

Russell Thomas Hillock (83) of Denver, Colorado went to his heavenly home on Saturday, February 22, 2020.

Russell was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado to Thomas and Marie Hillock, where he grew up and graduated from Colorado Springs High School. He attended the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree continuing on to a Masters Degree in his always loved Cultural Arts/Vocal Music Departments.

Russ had a powerful bass voice. If you heard him sing “Old Man River,” that was a taste of some of that sound. He was a singer with the Mario Singers, in a restaurant in Denver where the performers would sing Opera and music from Broadway shows while walking among the tables. You could enjoy the marvelous performance while dining on Italian dishes, the best of wines and fabulous desserts. You could also find Russ at a number of piano bars in the Denver area where you could sing along with the piano player and enjoy your cocktails until closing time.

Russ began his illustrious teaching career in Alamosa, Colorado where he taught high school choirs for three years, then went on to become a Graduate Assistant at Adams State College where he earned his Master’s Degree. In subsequent years, he taught at Littleton High School, Stratton High School, and Highlands High School in Thornton, Colorado. Each of his teaching assignments was marked by a profound impact on the performing arts programs he taught and administered. While excelling in his teaching career, he also pursued further graduate work at the University of Colorado and was Associate Musical Director for the Denver Lyric Opera.

The latter part and longest assignment of Russ’ career was spent at Heritage High School in Littleton, Colorado where he taught chorale and orchestral music and served as Head of the Cultural Department until his retirement.

Through the years Russ taught at schools in Colorado where he formed lifelong friendships with his teaching associates, as well as with his students, many of whom went on to become notable, both in Opera and in international performances. He also directed church choirs at local Denver area churches upon his retirement from the teaching profession.

Survivors include his stepson, Robert (Nives) Lekaj of Denver; sister, Johanna (Hillock) Asmussen of Littleton; granddaughter, Katarina Lekaj of Denver; great-granddaughter, Lotti of Denver; nieces, Katherine (Steve) McKiernan, Lori Patterson, Amy (Tim) Lee, and Chelle Moriarity. Nephews, Michael (Sandrah) Brickley, Brian (Kim) Brickley, and Kevin Hillock. Second generation nieces, Alexandra Brickley, Casandra Brickley, Caitlyn (Brickley) Hocking, Maddison Patterson and Cassidy Moriarity. Second generation nephews, Austin Brickley, Hunter Brickley, Stockton Brickley, Logan Brickley, Colin Brickley, Ryan Patterson, Jake Lee and Patrick Moriarity.

Russell is predeceased by his parents Thomas and Marie, his brother David, his sister Mary Ann and his loving wife Andjelka.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Russell on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 12:00pm at Phillips Methodist Church,1450 S Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80232, with a reception to follow in the Church Banquet Room.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations made in Russell’s name to The Colorado Choir.

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