Joseph C. Hickey

Brunswick - Joseph “Joe” Hickey, age 92, passed away on August 21, 2012 in Brunswick, ME. He was born in Binghamton, NY to Cornelius E. Hickey and Jennie Murphy Hickey.

Joe’s life was defined by his unconditional love and devotion to his family. He cherished

his wife Ethel. He was proud of the accomplishments of his two children Alan and Joan,

as well as the achievements of his grandchildren.

Joe’s early years were spent on his family’s dairy and truck garden farm near Barton,

NY, where they had a road side farm stand. His education began in a one room schoolhouse. Inspired by his older brother, Bob, Joe worked hard to excel in school. After graduating from Elmira South Side High School, Elmira, NY, he attended Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, where he received a BS Degree from the School of Agriculture in 1943. It was during his time at Cornell that he met his wife, Ethel, who was an “Ithaca girl.” In the March/April issue of the 2008 Cornell Alumni magazine, Joe thanked Cornell for the chance to meet Ethel, “the love of my life.” Ethel and Joe were married on September 9, 1944 in Ithaca, NY.

Joe served as a 1st Lieutenant in WWII in Europe. He and Ethel moved to Maine where

Joe accepted a job at the University of Maine as a Vegetable Crop Specialist. He then

completed a Master’s Degree at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. He continued his work at the University of Maine until accepting a position at Burnham and Morrill Company, in Portland, where he worked as a Purchasing Agent and Agronomist for 37 years.

Joe excelled in his field and achieved great professional satisfaction from his work. He

distinguished himself by developing a specialized variety of bean, the Aurora bean, in

conjunction with the Cornell School of Agriculture. During his career, he was admired for

his fairness, integrity and professionalism.

He and Ethel built their home in Falmouth, ME where they lived for 55 years before

moving to Brunswick, ME. They raised their children in Falmouth, had many

wonderful friends and enjoyed get togethers with their neighbors at Mussel Cove. Joe

was a lifelong Catholic and he and his family attended Holy Martyrs Church. He also

served as a member and Chairman of the Falmouth School Board and was active in

local and state political committees.

Joe and Ethel enjoyed caring for their home and he particularly liked working in the

yard. They both loved to travel throughout the US, Mexico and South America for

pleasure as well as business. Joe loved the landscape, history and people of the West

and often read books and articles related to the history of “The West”.

Joe had an inquiring mind and loved to discuss educational and political issues. He had

an ability to listen, as well as express his opinion. Joe will be remembered for his kind,

gentle and down to earth nature, his quick dry Irish wit, his love of conversation and his

steadfastness in providing for his family.

Joe is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ethel; his son Dr. Alan J. Hickey and wife Dr. Margery Salter of Yarmouth, ME; his daughter Joan Hale and her husband William, of Brunswick, ME; surviving grandchildren are Bryce Hickey (Leslie Hickey) of Colorado Springs, CO; Lynn Whiting (Richard Whiting) of Standish, ME; Rebecca Hale (Joshua Wilson) of

Washington DC; Christopher Hale of Medellin, Columbia; Charles Hale (fiancée Katie Himmelmann) of Oakland, CA; great-grandchildren include Finley, Micah, Digby, Liam, Elijah, Hannah and Julia.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Martyrs Church, 266 Foreside Rd., Falmouth, Maine on Thursday August 30, 2012 at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made In Memory of Joseph C. Hickey to:

CHANS Home Health Hospice, 60 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, ME 04011