Michael James “Stick” Hickey, a resident of Medford and always of Charlestown went home to God on April 29, 2020 at the Courtyard Nursing Center in Medford. Mike was 78 years young (he hated getting old).
Mike was born in Somerville on February 24, 1942; he was the oldest son of the late Harry F. Hickey and Alice (Power) Hickey. He spent his childhood in Medford where he attended St. Joseph’s Parochial School. He moved to Charlestown in the 7th grade and attended St. Francis de Sales School where he met his life-long friend, Joe “Buddy” Stevens.
Mike went on to graduate from Boston Tech in 1960. He then attended Wentworth Institute for architectural drawing. He played hockey and baseball in his youth. Ted Williams, #9, was his favorite baseball player (other than his grandson, Jack). Mike also served his country for six years in the Army Reserves and trained as a cook. He always told us that a cook’s main job was to give the food “eye appeal”. Mike was not a gourmet however; his favorite foods were hot dogs, chips and ice cream. Mike was retired from the US Post Office after 20 plus years. Many friends and family loved Mike. He loved you back – each and every one of you. Hugs and kisses to Uncle John & Gina and Aunt Dolly.
Mike was a member of Bunker Hill Council K of C #62 where he played a pretty good game of gin. He told us when he won that it had nothing to do with luck but skill. He enjoyed golfing and traveled to Myrtle Beach, SC for many years. He was also a member of the Medford Senior Center where he and his wife Donna won the Halloween costume contest several years in a row. He is a member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Medford.
Mike is the devoted husband of 35 years to Donna (Lane) Hickey. He is the loving father and very special Dad to Christy Merullo of Melrose and her husband, Christopher. “Pa” has two grandchildren who mean the world to him, Gabriella Rose Merullo (his “Pookie”) and Jack Thomas Merullo. They both provided him bragging rights for many years between school, sports and orchestra achievements and most importantly for being good people.
Mike is the brother of the late Paul Hickey, he was “like a brother” to his Olsen cousins, Marion, Jean, Donna and the late Margo. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Karen Connolly and is “Uncle Mike” to nieces, Jill and Stacy, nephew Christopher Hickey, his wife Lissette and their four children and niece Paula and her son Jayden. Mike is Godfather to Lisa O’Loughlin and cousin to Ellen Ineson.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Courtyard Nursing Center and the Massachusetts General Hospital for their loving, compassionate care of Mike especially over the past few months.
Mike will rest at Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford.
A celebration of his life will be held at a future date when we can all hug each other.
Donations in Mike’s name can be sent to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parksinon’s Research; Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777