George Francis Hickey, Jr. - Obituary

eorge Francis Hickey, Jr. George was born on May 17, 1931 in Washington, DC to parents George Francis and Edith Gertrude. He was the eldest of six children, with younger siblings Patricia, Helen, Kathleen, Paul, and Mary rounding out the family. The Hickeys resided in a quaint rowhouse located on 5th St. in NW, Washington, DC. George attended St. Gabriel School for his primary education. He then went on to graduate in 1949 from Gonzaga College High School, founded by the Jesuits. His peers dubbed him, "the man with the math book," as he had a great love for the subject. In 1951, George enlisted in the United States Navy and served four years, primarily aboard the USS Bradford as a sonarman during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1955, George graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1960. George was introduced to a young nurse from Portland, Maine named Madeline "Skippy" Moran, by his friends Jack Lynerd and Jean Crother. Jack was George's long-time childhood pal, and Jean was Madeline's dear friend and fellow nurse at Providence Hospital. Jean and Jack eventually married, and both George and Madeline were attendants in their wedding. James McConnell and his beloved Amy Goulart were also cherished friends; in the course of time, they married as well. The six of them were inseparable, vacationing at the beach, and picnicking together. George found Madeline to be a perfect match and knew he needed her love in his life. George and Madeline were married on March 3, 1962 at Saint Gabriel Catholic Church in Washington, DC. George began his professional career with the Martin Company in Middle River, outside of Baltimore, Maryland. He and Madeline started their family with the birth of their first son, George Francis, followed closely by Michael Joseph. The Hickey family then moved back to the Washington, DC area where George started a position as an acoustic scientist with the US Naval Research Laboratory, in which he focused on sonar systems for naval vessels. He received two patents during his tenure. George and Madeline then purchased their first home in Fort Washington, Maryland in 1966. Not long after, Mary Patricia, their first daughter, was born. Thomas Patrick then came into this world. Several years later, the family welcomed the arrival of Margaret Mary. George loved spending time with his family. Christmas dinner was quite a large affair, hosted by his parents. George's siblings, their spouses, nieces and nephews, and countless family friends gathered on Topton St. for food and fun. Mom and Pops always cooked a delicious holiday dinner, and the adults played Pinochle late into the evening. In subsequent years, Paul and Kristy were gracious to host Christmas and carry on the tradition. George and Madeline were sure to attend the sacraments not only for their children, but for their nieces and nephews as well. They witnessed their baptisms, saw them receive The Eucharist, attended confirmations, and celebrated their marriages. George also enjoyed his siblings' social events: birthdays, crab feasts, cook-outs, pool parties, and more. If there was a dance floor available, George was certain to be cutting the rug to the polka with one of his sisters - Pat, Helen, Katie, or Mary. He was a big fan and season ticket holder of the Washington Redskins. George also enjoyed Thoroughbred horse racing, going to many sporting venues including Laurel Park, Pimlico, and Saratoga in New York. After retirement, George owned horses and enjoyed watching the trainers ready them for race day. George and Madeline were active members of St. Ignatius Catholic Church for 57 years. Their children received their holy sacraments at the church and attended the parish school. He traveled extensively for work on many international trips, including Europe. The family enjoyed numerous vacations from Maine to Florida, and everywhere in between. The trip to California was especially fun for the children as they stayed at a hotel with a built-in swimming pool, and enjoyed an afternoon at Disneyland. The Hickey family's yearly outing to Kings Dominion, an amusement park in Virginia, was a lot of fun too. George chaperoned his children on the spinning thrill rides and roller coasters, while Madeline was content riding the carousel with the younger ones. The annual trip in the family station wagon to Higgins Beach in Scarborough, Maine was the highlight of the year. The charming and picturesque beach community was the ideal setting to spend time with George's in-laws Phil and Mary Lou Flaherty, and Bill and Nancy Moran, and their daughters. George also enjoyed socializing with other Maine family members and friends as well. George retired from the Naval Research Laboratory after more than twenty-five years of service. The empty nesters began to travel more including many trips to the west coast to attend naval reunions. George and Madeline also made a pilgrimage to Israel, visiting many holy sites, and walked the footsteps of Christ. George and Madeline treasured the addition of grandchildren into their lives, first with Kathleen, followed by Elizabeth, then Madeline Teale. The Biastre family grew to include Gabriel, Oliver, and Lillian. George was a good man and a good provider. He will be missed by many. On Wednesday, May 24, 2023, one week after his 92nd birthday, George peacefully passed away surrounded by his family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of forty-eight years, Madeline “Skippy” Hickey. He is survived by his five children: George Hickey of Waldorf, MD; Michael Hickey of Woodbridge, VA; Mary (Spencer) Teale of Woodbridge, VA; Thomas Hickey of Baltimore, MD; and Margaret (Eric) Biastre of Alexandria, VA, and six grandchildren: Kathleen, Elizabeth, and Madeline Teale; Gabriel, Oliver, and Lillian Biastre. He is also survived by three siblings: Helen Whetzel of New Carrollton, MD; Paul (Kristy) Hickey of Creedmoor, NC; and Mary (Gil) Vuolo of Weeki Wachee, FL. He was also predeceased by two of his sisters, Patricia Anderson and Kathleen Lee. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate his life on Thursday, June 8, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 9, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 2315 Brinkley Road, Fort Washington, MD, followed by interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Little Sisters of the Poor of Virginia www.littlesistersofthepoorvirginia.org.