John O. Hill, 67, of Arlington Heights, a retired special-projects manager at Duo-Fast Corp. in Elgin, died of heart failure Tuesday, May 7, in Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights. Mr. Hill discovered his knack for tinkering with machinery at a young age. He was born and raised on a farm in Rushville, Ind. When Mr. Hill was 9, he built a motor scooter, and when he was 15 he built a drag racer that he raced in abandoned airfields near his home. “He always worked on his own car,” said his brother, Lynn. “He would make modifications to the engine.” He became interested in tools while working at Schnadig Furniture Co. in Rushville. He also became acquainted with Duo-Fast tools while making furniture. Mr. Hill worked his way up to plant engineer, a job that required him to test nailing and stapling equipment. That led him to accept a national sales position with Duo-Fast, a manufacturer of tools and fasteners, in 1963. Within several years he was promoted to national accounts manager and eventually special-projects manager. Mr. Hill served on the board of directors for the American Hardboard Association in Palatine and the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association in Alexandria, Va. “He was one of these guys that take charge,” said his brother. “He had the ability to analyze mechanical problems and was able to explain how to fix it to laypeople, which was unique.” Other survivors include a daughter, Cherylann Granell, and two grandchildren. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in St. Simon Episcopal Church, 717 W. Kirchoff Rd., Arlington Heights.
