In Memory of Anthony Cromwell Hill
Anthony Cromwell Hill, a cherished figure known for his multifaceted roles as a journalist, writer, documentarian, and videographer, passed away unexpectedly in his residence on January 24, 2024, at 72. Born on September 2, 1951, at Boston Lying-In Hospital (now Brigham and Women’s), he spent his formative years in Watertown and Cambridge before earning his B.A. in American History and Literature from Harvard University in 1973. His journey into journalism commenced during his tenure at Harvard, where he contributed to The Harvard Crimson, setting the stage for a distinguished career encompassing esteemed publications such as the Boston Phoenix, The Real Paper, and Newsweek. Eventually, his path led him to report and produce segments for The Ten O’Clock News on WGBH. Subsequently, he ventured into the realm of videography, crafting notable pieces on Martin Luther King, Jr., The Paradox of Boston, and John Silber, the 7th president of Boston University, including the acclaimed “Honoring John Silber,” which even elicited appreciation from the discerning Silber himself. Notably, Tony penned and directed a feature video film for television titled “Return to Glory,” offering a distinct historical perspective in response to Zwick’s award-winning film “Glory,” which aimed to honor the 54th Union Regiment, the first African American soldiers to partake in the Civil Wa
Renowned for his eloquence and profound understanding of music, Anthony possessed an innate sensitivity that allowed him to unravel the essence of individuals within moments of interaction. This unique talent facilitated numerous documentary interviews with luminaries and celebrities, including Henry Kissinger, Elie Wiesel, Leonard Nimoy, and Angela Lansbury. Affectionately known as Tony among his vast circle of friends, he hailed from a lineage of exceptional African American intellectuals, counting his father, Henry Aaron Hill, as the first African American Ph.D. in Chemistry from MIT and the inaugural African American President of the American Chemical Society. His mother, Adelaide M. Cromwell, a distinguished alumna of Smith College and a trailblazer in academia, co-founded the first African Studies department at Boston University and later established the African American Studies Program at the same institution. Notably, his aunt, Otelia Cromwell, held the distinction of being the first African American graduate of Smith College and the initial African American woman to attain a Ph.D. from Yale University. Tony’s uncle and godfather, Massachusetts Senator Edward W. Brooke, III, carved his historic path as the first African American to secure a Senate seat since Reconstruction.
A Cambridge resident and a fixture in Martha’s Vineyard for many years, Tony contributed his expertise to several organizations, including the Boston Lyric Opera and the Commonwealth School, while also earning an honorary membership at the Sundance Institute. He is survived by his longtime partner, Vita Paladino, her son Erik, and a host of other family members, along with his cherished godchild, Zoe Rose Guastella, and a multitude of dear friends and classmates.
In 2021, Anthony encountered a life-threatening situation while driving his Tesla home from a dinner engagement, experiencing a cardiac arrest. Miraculously, he was rescued by a fertility doctor who happened to be driving behind him in her Tesla. With the aid of a Cambridge police officer and paramedics, he was revived and underwent treatment at Mt. Auburn Hospital, where he made a remarkable recovery, attributing his survival to “Good Christian Living” with his trademark wit.
A Celebration of his Life is scheduled to take place at the Harvard Club of Boston on Sunday, March 3, at 1:30 PM, followed by a concert presented by the Bach, Beethoven & Brahms Society in Harvard Hall.