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.

Thomas Hickey,

March 29, 1940 - November 23, 2023

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