Joseph D.
Hickey, a resident of Rome for the past 60
years, passed away on July 10, 2021, at the
age of 83. He was born in Ontario, New York
on March 12, 1938, the son of the late
Maurice and Mary (Kane) Hickey.
Joe graduated from North Rose Central School
in 1956. In high school, he was a member of
the varsity basketball and baseball teams,
was the President of his class, and
graduated as the Salutatorian. He went on to
earn his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
from the State University of New York
College of Education at Albany. While
attending college, he met Beverly A. Jones,
of Oneida, and they were married in Rome on
June 23, 1962.
Joe began his career as a business teacher
at RFA before becoming the Business
Administrator for Camden Central Schools in
1971. After spending more than 30 years
working in education, he retired in 1993.
During his retirement he enjoyed traveling
the world with Bev and spending winters in
Arizona. He loved golfing with friends,
playing cards, lawn bowling, and most of
all, spending time with his family. Joe was
loved by all who knew him. He was a kind and
generous man who loved a good time and he
was extremely proud of his Irish heritage.
He was a loving family man who will be
greatly missed.
Surviving besides his beloved wife of 59
years, Bev, are their son Dan and his wife
Elaine of Niskayuna, their son Tim and his
wife Anna of Guilderland, their daughter
Teri Tallarino of Rome; his sister, Jessie
Didio of Rome; his brother-in-law, William
Young of Oneida; seven grandchildren, Sara
(Hickey) Pratt and her husband Tyler, Emily
Hickey, Zachary and Thomas Tallarino, Jack,
Sean and Evan Hickey; a great-grandson,
Cooper Pratt; as well as his special nieces
and nephews. He was predeceased by his
brother, Thomas A. Hickey; his
brother-in-law and close friend, Frank
Didio; his sister-in-law, Dolores Young; and
his nephew, Thomas M. Hickey.
Joe’s family would like to express their
gratitude to the incredible staff at The
Terrace at Woodland, where Joe resided for
the past two years, for their kindness and
compassion.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on
Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 11 a.m at St.
Paul’s Church in Rome. In lieu of flowers,
please consider making a donation to the
Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian
Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047 (lbda.org)
in honor of Joe’s wife, Beverly.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Nunn and
Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 George
Street, Rome. You may light a candle, send a
message of sympathy, and read his obituary
at www.nunnandharper.com.
