The Rockland Rotary posthumously awarded its “Community Person of the Year” to Steven Hiller on June 30 at its Rockland Elks Lodge meeting.

The Hiller Family was presented the plaque. And with the Rotary motto being “Service above self,” and “Serve to Change Lives” Steve truly lived according to those values.

Hiller died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, April 2, at the age of 65.

Rotary President Ferolyn Curtis noted Hiller grew up on Holmes Street and had a special place in his heart for the South End of Rockland. He had a long career in food service, working at Sampson’s, Shop n’ Save, IGA, and Maritime Farms, before he purchased Southend Grocery at 67 Main St. in 1995.

“With countless donations, hours organizing fundraisers, assisting with auctions and hundreds of other deeds that went unnoticed or recognized, Steve poured his heart and soul into helping others,” Rotary President Ferolyn Curtis said.

Hiller also coached youth sports throughout his life.