Charles Francis Hickey

Born in Denver, Colorado, November 12, 1924 and passed away in San Diego, California on December 18, 2020. Charles was a California resident since 1926 and though his Navy career took him and his family to live in other parts of the country, he called San Diego home from 1932 to the present. He attended Hoover High School and graduated in 1942. He then went on to attend San Diego State University which was interrupted in April 1943 when he joined the Naval Reserve and attended boot camp at the Naval Training Center, San Diego. While an enlisted man he applied for and was awarded a Secretary of the Navy appointment to become a Midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. After graduation in 1949, he served as a Naval Academy Instructor and it was there that he met his wife, Betty Lou Boak. They were wed on October 16, 1954. Together they had five children, Charles, Jr, Michael, David, Gregory and Anne Marie. He also had 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren who brought him much pleasure. He was very proud that his children all graduated from a California University and became employed in business or industry in California.

Charles’ career in the U.S. Navy started out as a Seaman Apprentice and advanced to rank of Captain from 1943 to 1974. He was a Naval Aviator attached to several multi-engine aircraft squadrons, an educator for Naval Officers and enlisted personnel and in his later years he was involved in manpower management Navy-wide. Charles flew and traveled throughout the world during his career in the Navy, including several wartime deployments. Upon retirement from the Navy, Charles began a second career with the San Diego Community College District. He worked in the District’s Facilities Services Department for 13 years as a Facilities Planner and enjoyed a second retirement in December 1988.

Charles enjoyed his retirement by watching his grandchildren grow up. He was also an active volunteer in community groups and at the Mission San Diego de Alcala. He particularly enjoyed serving as a docent for the Mission San Diego Historical Society, giving tours of the Mission to elementary school children and visitors to San Diego. He and Betty Lou also enjoyed travel and cruising with the Missionaires to all parts of the world. Rome, with the Vatican and India, with the Taj Mahal were his favorite destinations.

Charles was loved and respected by his family and friends. He served as an excellent example with his loving service to his family, his community and his country. Charles was predeceased by his wife, Betty Lou and his son, Gregory. Charles will be missed.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.goodbodymortuary.com for the Hickey family.