Paul Joseph Hickey, 77, of Newcastle, died peacefully at home on Jan. 15 with his family, after a valiant and persistent fight against cancer.
Born on Sept. 28, 1941, in Boston, Mass., he was the middle son of James Francis and Catherine Boyle Hickey.
Paul graduated from Don Bosco High School in Boston in 1959, then enlisted in the Navy. His eight-year honorable service included time on the USS Little Rock at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and touring Europe. On his second tour of duty, he served on the submarines USS Albacore and the USS Dace. He spent the remainder of his civilian career as an HVAC specialist working throughout New England, finally settling in Maine to raise a family while working at the Brunswick Naval Air Station.
Paul was notorious for his quick wit and he always had a story at hand. He was an extremely gifted musician with a love for the piano, accordion, and banjo. An avid sailor, he spent many happy summers on the sea. As a voracious reader he kept a curious mind until the end. His family will dearly miss their beloved “Muck Muck,” grandfather, father, husband, uncle, and friend.
He is predeceased by his parents; and younger brother, Kevin R. Hickey of Boston, Mass.
Paul is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Hickey of Newcastle; daughter, Natalie Davis (Brian) of South Portland; sons, Shawn Hickey (partner Maggie), and Alexander Hickey (Kristin Sherman), both of Jefferson; grandchildren, Ezra Hickey, Mason Davis, and Finnian and Maeve Hickey; older brother, James F. Hickey Jr. and wife Lydia of East Milton, Mass.; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m., Sat., Jan. 27 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Newcastle. A gathering of friends and family will be held immediately after at the Sheepscot General Store and Farm, 98 Townhouse Road, Whitefield.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Paul’s memory be made to Miles & St. Andrews Home Health & Hospice, 40 Belvedere Rd., Damariscotta, ME 04543.
Direct Cremation of Maine, in Belfast, provided cremation services.
