Leesburg, FL – Leesburg, Fl – John G. Hickey, 84 of Leesburg, Florida and formerly from Stanfordville, NY passed peacefully in his sleep November 7, 2016 after bravely dealing with Parkinson’s Disease.
Born on May 15, 1932 to the late John P. and Eileen (nee Gleason) Hickey, John was raised at the family homestead, Clondrina, in Limerick, Ireland along with his brothers and sisters; Paddy (deceased), Betty Rooney (deceased), Noel, Bartholomew (deceased), Cecil and Rita Longo.
He immigrated to the United States in 1948 and was married to Nancy Foley in April 24, 1955 until her death in July 2001. In August 2003, John and Karen Spenser were married, and Karen was his guardian angel as she took great care of him, especially during the latter years of his illness.
John served his adopted country with pride in the Air National Guard and Army during the Korean War with honorable discharge in 1954. He was a member of the American Legion for 46 yrs, and served as Stanfordville American Legion Commander for a few years. Formerly employed by Bankers Trust in NYC, Harcourt, Brace and Jovanovich (direct mail expansion) and ultimately retired from Guidepost after providing leadership on voice recognition projects.
His greatest joy, besides his children and grandchildren, was time he spent caring for his animals on the farm, from the sheep and donkeys, to cattle and pigs. With his faithful dog, Belle, he would work on projects around the barn and on his tractor.
He enjoyed being involved in community events and spending time with his loving family. He loved rides in the country, going out for ice cream, and taking trips to Mets games. John was a member of the Pine Plains Tri County Square Dancers and loved singing.
Surviving are his loving wife Karen (Spenser), children- Elizabeth Hickey (Liza) Durham, NC; Eileen Bloxom + AC Bloxom of Virginia Beach, VA; John P + Debbie Hickey and grandchildren Erin, Troy and Courtney of Deerfield, IL; Ann + Wayne Brooker, Buffalo, NY; Thomas + Tammy Hickey and grandson Joseph from Easton, MD. John has two brothers Noel Hickey from Limerick Ireland, Cecil Hickey from Stamford, CT. and a sister Rita Longo of Thornwood NY.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2016 from 4 to 8 PM at Peck and Peck Funeral Home, 7749 South Main St. Pine Plains, NY.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Friday, November 11, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Church, 15 North Ave. Millbrook, NY with Msgr. Gerardo J. Colacicco, officiating.
Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bangall, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Cornerstone Hospice of Lake Sumter, FL. Or American Parkinson’s Disease Association (apdaparkinson.org).
