He was born in Scottsdale, Pennsylvania, the son of Pat and Etta Hickey. He was an only child. On May 31, 1947, he married Jo Ann Kirkpatrick, from Frederick, OK.
He graduated from Oklahoma University in 1947 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. During his studies in Oklahoma, he was a NROTC midshipman. Upon graduation, he went to work for Mullen’s Plumbing as an Engineer until the Korean War, when he reenlisted in the Navy.
In 1952, he completed training for Explosive Ordnance Disposal. He earned the rank of Lt. Commander before he retired in 1967. In 1968, he graduated with a Master of Education with Advanced Study in General Engineering from Penn State. He taught at Northern Virginia Community College for a year as a science teacher before joining Fairfax County Public School System at Glasgow Intermediate School. Over the next 21 years, he had a number of roles, before retiring as Director of Guidance and Assistant Principal. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Annandale, serving on a number of committees as well as acting as the Treasurer until 2017. He was a member of the Oklahoma University Alumni, Penn State Alumni, Sigma Chi Fraternity, and the American Legion. He loved sailing, the Navy, football and spending time with his daughters and grandchildren.
He is survived by his daughter Diane and son-in-law Joe Giardina, Springfield, VA, his daughter Karen and son-in-law Jim Klak, Charlotte, NC and his daughter Patty and son-in-law John Roberts, Riverside, CT; grandchildren Mike Giardina of Alexandria, VA; Suzanne Munn of Woodbridge, VA; Jamie Giardina of Wilmington, DE; Elizabeth Giardina of Reston, VA; Matthew Giardina of Blacksburg, VA; Fenner and Taylor Klak of Asheville, NC; Kat Klak of Colorado Springs, CO; John Roberts of Philadelphia, PA; Dana Roberts of Riverside, CT; David Roberts of San Diego, CA; and two great granddaughters Mairin and Lillian Giardina of Wilmington, DE.
His wife Jo Ann, his mother Etta, and his father Pat Hickey, preceded him in death.
A memorial service will be held in the spring. A private service was held Nov 21, 2018 at Demaine Funeral Home. Memorial Contributions can be made to his church, First Presbyterian Church of Annandale or United Service Organizations.
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