With great sadness, we announce the passing of Edward Hick, a longtime Franklin resident, into the arms of his Lord and Savior on July 17th, 2025. His daughter was present at the time of his peaceful passing, following a sudden illness.
Ed was born in the Bronx, NY in 1934. He was the son of Catherine M. and Edward B. Hick, Sr. He attended St Benedict's Roman Catholic School, Cardinal Hayes High School, The Cooper Union and was a 1960 graduate of Fordham University, of which he was extremely proud. He was married to Mary Theresa Zucks in November 1968, a union which lasted until Mary's passing last July.
He retired from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as the Director of Housing Operations for New England after 35 years working with FHA and HUD in Philadelphia, New York and Boston.
Ed served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Action and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, The WWII Occupation Medal for service in Germany in 1955/6, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in January 1956.
He and his wife traveled extensively, to all 50 states of the USA, as well as many foreign countries. He was a great enthusiast of cruises to exotic places and has sailed the world. He always fondly recalled being trained with the US Army in cruising the Atlantic Ocean in 1955 on troop ship MS Butler to Germany as Troop Announcer during the sailing.
Edward served as President of the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees, Chapter 807, Norwood, Massachusetts, A Past President of the Franklin, Massachusetts Rotary Club, A Paul Harris Rotary Fellow, the Recorder, Chancellor, Deputy Grand Knight and Grand Knight in 2011 for the Knights of Columbus Cassidy Council 5231 Millis, Massachusetts, and was Treasurer of the Franklin No Hate Coalition. He and his wife volunteered extensively with the Franklin Food Pantry and was active in the St Vincent de Paul Society. Ed was also a member of the Franklin Senior Citizens, and the AARP and the Franklin Newcomers Club. A devout Catholic, Ed's faith was central to his life, and he was a longtime congregant of St. Mary's Church, Franklin Massachusetts.
He had done extensive genealogical research and individual ancestry, recording members of his family.
Edward leaves his daughter, Suzanne Caliguire, a son-in-law, Robert Caliguire and two adored grandchildren, West Robert and Sage Michael Caliguire, all of Upstate New York. He also leaves his "little brother" James and wife Carol of South Carolina, his sister-in-law Elizabeth of Arkansas, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert Hick and sister Mary E Hick and his wife Mary Theresa.
Ed moved to the assisted living community of Forge Hill in Franklin in December 2020. It quickly became his new home and he quickly made many, many friends with both staff and other residents. "Fast Eddie", as he was affectionately known there, never missed an opportunity to tell a story or participate in any activity, outing or entertainment. He took special pride in welcoming new residents, helping them adjust and feel at ease. His family would like to especially thank the entire staff at Forge Hill Assisted Living for the exceptional care and affection shown to Fast Eddie. He considered all of you his family. He is also survived by many friends there, and we are grateful for the outpouring of faith and kindness shown by his friends during his brief illness.
Edward wanted it to be known that he attributed his success in life in his ability to keep current on tax and retirement legislation and his ability to make a flavorful pot of coffee!
Services will be held at the time of interment of his ashes at the Cemetery of the Ascension, Monsey, NY.
Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin ginleyfuneralhomes.com