John was the oldest of 4 boys. Brothers Cornelius, James, and Andrew precede him in death. They grew up in New York, New York, they were a precocious bunch!
John graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School and Cum Laude from Fordham University.
In his early years, John served in the US Army Reserves.
John started his career with New York Life and in 1968 he joined EDS. His EDS career started in New York City and in 1976 EDS brought him and his family to Austin, Texas. In 1979 they move to Plano, Texas where he eventually retired in 1993.
He married the love of his life and best friend, Clare Condy, on February 24, 1962, after dating for just 3 short months. They were married at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Brooklyn, New York. They had two children, Marianne and Brian.
John was a devout Catholic. He and Clare were always active in all the churches to which they were parishioners. Although serving on many committees in all the churches throughout their years, their passion was teaching and mentoring high school youth. They had a true gift of sharing their faith.
On one of the families many road trips, his grandchildren once asked “Papa, what do you think the meaning of life is?” He didn’t hesitate with his response. “To know love and serve HIM in this world, to be with HIM in the next”. John’s family finds great comfort in knowing that he is with HIM now.
One of John’s favorite pastimes was vacationing on the beach with family. He and Clare spent many vacations on the Jersey Shore and in the Carolina’s. John also loved to visit his beloved Ireland. Although these were his favorites, he was always up for a road trip.
John, above all else, was a faithful man. John was a humble, kind hearted, generous, and caring man. He could be serious and tough on the outside but his inside was gentle and loving. He was a great story teller and had a great wit. John’s family referred to him as the smartest man they knew. “When Papa was around we didn’t need Google”.
He loved history and movies. In his later years, John went to the movie theatre at least once a week and enjoyed sharing his critique with his family. A good day ended with a Turner Movie Classic and a glass of fine wine. He was a fan of the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Cowboys. John loved watching his teams play but his favorite teams were those of his grandchildren. No matter what sport, what team, win or lose he was always cheering them on and so incredibly proud.
John is survived by; daughter Marianne Davis; son-in-law Jere Davis; and son Brian Hickey; daughter–in-law Vanessa Hickey; grandchildren Michael Davis, Allison Davis, Jake Davis and Danny Davis. Sisters and brother-in-law Monette Hickey, Mary Hickey, Bill and Eleanor Condy;. He also leaves behind 33 beloved nieces and nephews, their spouses, children and grandchildren.
John was preceded in death by; father John Hickey and mother Margaret O'Hara; brothers Cornelius Hickey; James Hickey; brother and sister-in-law Andrew & Barbara Hickey; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Joe & Grace Eckerle; Buddy and Helen Bellmer; Robert & Mary Lou Condy; Buddy & Joan Baberadt. Nephews James Eckerle, Billy Bellmer, and John Hickey.
Services for John Hickey:
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Visitation:
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Ted Dickey West Funeral Home
Rosary:
7:30 PM to 8:00 PM immediately following visitation
Ted Dickey West Funeral Home
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Visitation with catered reception:
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Ted Dickey West Funeral Home
Funeral Mass:
3:00pm
Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church
1914 Ridgeview Drive, Allen, Texas.
Serving as pallbearers are Brian Hickey, Jere Davis, Michael Davis, Jake Davis and Danny Davis.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.teddickeywestfuneral.com for the Hickey family.
