Passed away Saturday, May 24, 2014 at age 87. He was born in 1927 in Dallas, Texas, and graduated from Holy Trinity Catholic School and North Dallas High School. He attended Texas Tech and graduated in 1948 with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering and from Harvard University in 1949 with an M.S. degree in Engineering. He served on active duty in the Navy during and after World War II, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Fireman 1st Class. He rejoined the Armed Forces in 1952 with a commission in the U.S Public Health Service, remaining on active duty until his retirement in 1973 at the rank of Captain. He returned to school at the University of North Carolina Graduate School of Public Health at Chapel Hill, receiving an M.S. degree in Public Health in 1974 and a Ph.D degree in 1977. He taught environmental sciences and engineering at the University until 1987. He married Elizabeth Jane Ellis in 1949 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dallas, a marriage lasting 56 years. He and his wife lived various places, returning to reside in Dallas after retirement, and attended Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Plano. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth, his parents, William L. Hickey and Marie Majella King; and three siblings, Marie Hustace (Richard), William K. Hickey (Jean, Charlotte), and Jeanne Meyer (Charlie). He is survived by his children: John W. N. Hickey (Marcella) Mary Hickey Martin (Donald), Ellen M. H. Backes, and Alice E. H. Walker (Dana); grandchildren Carolyn Hickey Vallone (Michael), Erin E. Martin, and John W. Backes (Amber); great-grandchildren Ethan Vallone, Isabella Vallone, Epiphany Backes and Anastasia Backes; cousins Neil J. O'Brien (Pat) and Carol O'Brien Nicoud (Bob); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A Memorial Service will be held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 5100 West Plano Pkwy, Plano, TX 75093 on Monday June 2, 2014 at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to Prince of Peace Memorial Fund Attention: Linda Whitney, or to Daughters of Charity, Seton Residence, 9200 New Harmony Rd., Evansville, IN 47720.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18