Thomas J. Hickey, 81, formerly of Smithfield and more recently of Glocester, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 5, 2012, at the home of his daughter in San Antonio, Texas.
Tom was born in Pawtucket, RI, he was a son of the late Thomas J. Hickey and Irene (Meunier) Hickey.
He attended La Salle Academy in Providence and served honorably in the United States Army, where he discovered a gift for electronics and became an engineer. Tom was married to Norma (DeWitt) Hickey. They shared 49 wonderful years together before Norma predeceased him in 1998.
Tom worked for more than 40 years as an engineer at New England Telephone Company. During his entire 40-year career, he had never taken a single “sick” day. Tom was also a dedicated father and coach. He was actively involved in the activities of his children and was an instrumental force in founding and developing the Smithfield Youth Hockey League and in the planning and construction of the Smithfield Ice Rink. He coached youth hockey for many years and taught many children, some of whom went on to highly successful college hockey careers, how to skate. Tom also coached little league baseball in Smithfield.
Tom and Norma were actively involved in the lives of their children and grand-children. The family spent many happy years together on the shores of Wallum Lake, and in a myriad of other vacations spots throughout the United States and Europe.
Tom is survived by three children: Thomas J. Hickey, Jr., and his wife Nancy E. Kern, of Cooperstown, NY; Roslyn M. Mazal, of San Antonio, TX; and Steven G. Hickey, and his wife Cathy Atkinson, of Glocester, RI. Tom also had eight grand-children, whom he loved dearly: Michael Thomas, Megan Elizabeth, Charles Steven, Natalie Rose, Alexander Thomas, Sarah Nicole, Alanna Rose, and Devon.
Tom also had seven brothers and sisters. Irene Smith, Helen Riley, Alice Rose, Patricia DePaolo, Joan Annalundi. He was predeceased by his brothers, William Hickey and Donald Hickey. The family maintained close and happy relationships throughout their lifetimes.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 A.M. on Saturday, November 17, at St. Phillip Roman Catholic Church, Greenville. Burial will be private. Friends and relatives may call from 4 to 7 P.M. on Friday, November 16, 2012, at the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Route 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville, RI.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society at St. Phillip Church, 622 Putnam Pike, Greenville, RI, 02828.