Thomas Hickey,

Thomas Hickey,

March 29, 1940 - November 23, 2023

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Obituary

Long time Platteville resident Thomas Patrick Hickey, Jr. died Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2023. Tom was born on March 29, 1940 in Pierre, South Dakota, the son of Thomas Patrick Hickey and Cecilia (Schwehr) Hickey.

Tom's parents were school teachers on the Cheyenne River Indian Agency. The Family moved to Jamestown, North Dakota where Tom attended St John's Academy, graduating as Valedictorian of his class in 1958. Tom earned his Bachelor's degree in English from St. John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota, and his Master's Degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1963. He also did further graduate studies at Madison. Tom began teaching English at Wisconsin State College and Institute of Technology (later UW-Platteville) in the Fall of 1963 and taught freshman composition, as well as upper division literature for 42 years, specializing in British Literature, especially drama and the novel. He was delighted to tell his two sisters, a former student said he was "cool". Tom sang for over 20 years with the University Singers and was a charter member of the Platteville Chorale adult Choir. While singing for over 30 years with the Chorale, he served as president of that group and later secretary of the Chorale Board. He was a Director of the Grant County Historical Society for several years and performed for over 12 years in many university opera and theatre productions. Tom was active in the Platteville, Community; he sponsored 2 of the large colored "bump out" windows in the new library and 2 of the statues of the Veterans Memorial in City Park. Platteville became the perfect sized place for Tom to live and teach; he was often seen walking in the down town area. Tom gave generous monetary gifts to the university College of Liberal Arts and Education, Humanities Department writing awards, and established the musical theatre and theatre performance award scholarships. He earned a Hall Fame Award, Friend of the College Award and a Distinguished Service Award. Tom was a member of the University of Wisconsin Platteville Foundation Cornerstone Society.

Tom is survived by his sister, Roseann and brother in law Don Pepe of Jupiter, Florida, the 4 Pepe children, James (Alison), Theresa, Jean (Kelly) and Diana; grand-nieces Katie and Christy, and grand- nephews Nicolas and Vincent all of Florida. Tom was predeceased by his sister, Kathleen in 2020.

 


Burial took place in Jamestown, North Dakota. A Memorial Service for Tom will take place at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Platteville Wisconsin in June 2024. Memorials for Tom may be made to the UW-Platteville Foundation to support English, Music, or Theatre programs. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory assisted the family with the Platteville arrangements and Williams Funeral Home assisted with the Jamestown, North Dakota arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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BR
Becky Reich
Other •
I'm so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Not only was he one of my professors in 1979, but he was also a dear family friend. I've known Tom most of my life, as he and my dad (Jim Bull) taught in the English Department. He and several other English professors would come to our house for cocktails following monthly department meetings. As a child, I was always taken by his beautiful voice and beard, and his laugh. My condolences to his family.
PJ
Peggy Lord Jonas
Other •
Tom Hickey was a great teacher and a memorable man. I was a student in his Freshman English class in the Fall of 1971. He connected with his students and he connected all of us to whatever we were studying. I admired his knowledge, patience, kindness, and his dignified approach to life. What a role model he was! My husband and I, both teachers, are Cornerstone members, too. When we wrote about why we wanted to establish a scholarship for future teachers, we cited Tom Hickey as someone who taught us how to teach. I only wish I had sought him out to tell hiim that myself. May he rest in peace.
RE
Robert Enloe
Other •
I am one of the Enloe kids that had Tom for instruction at Platteville and later UWP. I always think of Tom “ as forever young” and thus surprise at his passing. He remembered me as his student in freshmen English ( 7:00 AM) , when I returned as a Grad student, when I retired from teaching with “ahh Enloe … Bob how are you?” My answer now … good … and better for knowing Tom. A late thank you to Tom.
DA
Dawn Downs Arnold
Other •
I was so very sorry to read of Tom's passing in the UWP alumni magazine. Tom was my advisor at UWP as I completed a degree in English/Sec Ed. He was a terrific teacher, an excellent singer, and a very funny guy. I enjoyed him immensely and send my sincere condolences to his family.
TG
Thomas L. Gingerich
Other •
I was in Mr Hickey's classes in the mid 60's and respected him as a teacher and as a person. I learned a great deal from him and thoroughly enjoyed his teaching style and his sense of humor. I looked forward to his classes and only now ( August '24) discovered he had passed into the future that awaits each one of us. He made a great positive impact on so many students and colleagues!

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