Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Dennis Hickson Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Hickson
Sponsored by Christine Darcy, Sister.
Dennis Yee
October 23, 2012
Dennis and I went to JP high in the mid 60's. We three including Paul Moffitt walked and then drove to and from school for 4 years. We still kept in touch when he joined the Air Force and also when he lived in CA. then I lost track of him until 2005 when we reconnected on Classmates.com We conversed by phone and he was moving to FL for employment and said he had family there. We were planning to meet up since I live in Orlando, but unfortunately we lost contact with each other and never did meet up. I wanted to tell Dennis that we were having a 1965 reunion in Ma, next October. When I realized today that Dennis had passed away a while back, I was dismayed that we never reconnected after all this time. I remember Dennis in his teens as a fun loving guy who once stood up to a neighborhood bully. Dennis would tease Paul good naturely, but his winning personality always came through. He sent me a picture in 2005 with him and 2 greyhounds that I will keep as a memorial to him. God bless and rest in peace. Your buddy,Dennis.
Rochelle Fox
July 6, 2012
I miss you and I think about you all the time. Recently at a 4th of July cookout was with Scott, April & the kids. Those are the hardest times for me. I know your somewhere watching it and loving it I am sure your filled with Pride seeing us all together. I love you
Christine Darcy
November 28, 2009
I know, I know missed your birthday and anniversary. You have been on my mind and in my heart this whole month. I know you are there listening to Jerry sing and tell stories and I am sure you are both having a good time. Dorothy and John sent me flowers (thinking about Dennis) just at the right time and I had lobstahh with them, Ari and Barbara this past week. Spent thanksgiving with the family at Joe's home. Just got back from CT, visiting Ron, Mike and Tony. It was great. As Ron says 'you never know if we will see each other again'. I love you Dennis and miss you terribly. Have fun with Jerry
Rochelle Fox
November 26, 2009
It's been a year today, I woke up at 5:30 this morning and was hoping that it all had been a dream. You called me last year on this day and you let me tell you twice that I loved you, You actually said it first! You sounded so good and asked me if I was going to see you, I told you I would probably come for dessert. I arrived only 15 minutes after you left, Your tire marks from your motorcycle were still fresh in Scott's yard. I love you Uncle Dennis!
Happy Thanksgiving
Scott Lopaka
September 18, 2009
Happy Birthday D. Reese woke up this morning and reminded everybody that today is your Birthday. The girls miss you something terrible but I am sure you already know that. Everyone misses you. I will be stopping at the store on my way home from work to get you a coors light "tall boy" so we can have a drink together. After I have a few I might even punch myself in the kidneys for ya. Talked to Tina and I guess her Cinny and Jodie are going out. Make one of them spill a drink on themselves so they know you're there. I love you and think of you always.
Cinny Hickson
September 18, 2009
I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to you Dennis. I really miss you (even though you may not believe it). You already know that Tina, Jodie and I are getting together tonight. I'm sure that you've met up with Jerry by now. We gave him a really nice sendoff. I love you and miss you.
Christine Darcy
September 18, 2009
September 18,2009
Dennis just wanted to remember your birthday and you. You would have been 63 years old today and I still think about you all the time. You must know that Tommy Darcy passed away on May 14 of this year and Jerry went on August 10. And of course, Ted Kennedy right after that. I am sure you and Tommy are there (somewhere) listening to the debates, stories and Irish songs from Ted and Jerry. And, of course, I am sure you have some disagreements with our senator. I just spoke with Scott and all seems well in that area. I am going out with Jodie and Cinny tonight to celebrate your BD. I love you and miss you very much. Thank goodness you let me tell you that I loved you before you left.
Tina
Terry
June 14, 2009
To the Hickson Family,
I just accidentally stumbled on this site and I think I am in a state of shock. I am reading about the life and death of Dennis Hickson whom I have determined is the same Dennis Hickson of my youth. We met when we were both teens, spending our summers at Nantasket Beach. Every year my family and I summered there. Dennis was a friend of my girlfriend’s boyfriend and one day he just showed up at my doorstep with them. Needless to say, once we got to know Dennis our lives went topsy turvy. After my mom learned that he lived in a boarding house, she offered to rent out one of our spare bedrooms. She cooked his meals and made his lunches. I recall one day he forgot his lunch so my girlfriend and I had to deliver his lunch to work. As a reward he offered us a “free” ride on the Jungle Ride. We jumped at the offer. As we drifted through the ride, Dennis would pop into the scary scenes to add a human element to them. He thought he could scare us. All we did was laugh at his corny gestures. As the ride ended, instead of putting on the brake so we could get out of the boat, he pushed us through for another free ride. After 20 minutes of free rides and scary Dennis scenes, he finally let us get off the ride. That was Dennis. Always pulling pranks. I remember his smile. He was so cute. Then summer ended and he went off to the rest of his life. Over the next few years he would breeze in (and quickly breeze out) for a visit whenever he came from California or Saudi Arabia. Then one day he stopped visiting. I often wondered what happened to Dennis. I knew he loved to travel and often thought of him as having a girl in every port, the ones that Ricky Nelson sang about back on those days. I assumed he lived in Tahiti or some other exotic place. As I read the testimonials, I’ve learned that Dennis lived a great life surrounded by people who truly loved him. I am just so saddened to learn of his untimely death. My deepest sympathies and condolences go to his family and friends whose lives he touched. The memories of Dennis will always tug at my heart strings and his memory will continue to be a part of my life.
Swim for Hickson 2009
March 4, 2009
Swim for Hickson 2009
March 4, 2009
Swim for Hickson 2009
March 3, 2009
January 2008 Serengeti
March 1, 2009
Cinny Hickson (sister)
February 17, 2009
Oh my god Dennis, you are so loved. I haven't been to the guest book for a while. Tina has added some pictures to it and it just made me cry.
I have to share the story about when my sister Tina and I went to Florida to visit Dennis. We were there from October 29 until November 4. Looking back now, we were so so lucky to have had that time with him. I have to tell a story that I will never forget nor will I ever forget the look on Dennis' face when it happened. Both Tina and I were using his computer but for the life of me I cannot figure out how I happened to bring up the weather in Roslindale. I do not know or remember what Dennis' search engine was. One of the days he turned the computer on and the Roslindale weather came up. Then Ask.com came up and I ran out to the yard and told Tina we screwed up his computer. He wanted to know where his serach engine was. Both of us went back into the house. He was screaming about how the computer was screwed up and how we should have left it alone. Well he had a cup of coffee right next to him and the keyboard. I reached over to point at something on the screen for him to click on and you can guess what happened. I knocked over the cup of coffee and he screamed all the more, telling me just to get out of his room. I went outside (almost, but not quite, in tears) and a few seconds later Dennis came out and apologized to me. That in itself was a great feat for Dennis. Tina and I still laugh about it to this day. It was really a great vacation with Dennis and we also spent time with our niece, Rochelle and her family, our nephew Scotty and his family and also our other brother from California, Butch. Scotty and Rochelle are such wonderful people. For me it was just a really great vacation and I think it was great that we had that time to spend with Dennis before he died. Dennis it was not supposed to happen this way, you were the one who was going to live forever. I LOVE YOU and I am going to miss you dearly.
Love Cinny
P.S. I am also going to miss you telling me that you brought me up and talking about when you pushed me in front of the truck on the way to school one day because you did not want to take me to school. Everyone said that I dented the truck. And also the time that you and Ricky, the kid next door told me to take a bone away from a dog. I do not know to this day whose dog it was. Anyway I took or tried to take the bone because I figured if I did you and Ricky would like me. Well I got bitten just above my lip and have a scar to prove it and it will always remind me of that.
Shirley Magryta
February 16, 2009
To All of Dennis Family I met Dennis in he sevnties in Saudi Arabia , He and my husband had worked at TWA togeather I being a very stubborn worman din'T know how to take Dennis came to love this guy that would be at my door every morning at 7am for coffee, if he drank to much would spend the night in my son's r oomwho was in boarding school. My favorite memory is my chirtsmas tree, I was back in the states f or a year when my son was a senior but vacations we would go home. So for xmas we were going home and I called Marty only thing I WANTED was a tree well Dennis, Marty and Frank put a tree i n a 5gal bucket with jeddah sand put sheet on it and were so proud, it layed in the bucket crooked , I walked in and cried. they looked at me and couldn,t understand. I love you den you where my son even if you were my age.
john., Dennis 2009
February 9, 2009
Michael,Rochelle,Gerard,Dennis 2009
February 9, 2009
Dennis Reese Masai
February 8, 2009
November 2008 with Dennis
January 25, 2009
martim magryta
January 25, 2009
What can i say about dennis,i seat here now with a tear in my eyes just thinking about the many things he and i did together . the trip to boston Shirley and i made to collect a $100.00 bet because he said i would never buy a corvette.the many times he would be banging on our door so Shirley would make breakfast.the many times he would spend the night because of the parties we had at our home. what a pain in the backside he was..my family and i will miss him so very much. Marty Magryta
Shawn Magryta
January 20, 2009
To read the stories of Dennis brings a smile to my face because I can also relate to many of them. Although by blood Dennis wasn't my Uncle he was and always will be in my heart. I couldn't share with any of you the moment I met him but I am sure it took place in my parents living room in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. I can recall his early morning visits (too early for a grumpy teenager) his gruff New England accent echoing through our halls "Shawn come make me some of your famous coffee" of course I would hurry to my feet because this man had me convinced that there was no other cup of coffee that tasted as good as mine. I laugh now because I can recall a jar of instant coffee, 3 Heaping Tablespoons and a small coffee cup. His response always being "That was the best cup of coffee". He was always around, either hanging out in our home, camping at the beach or just toting me and my girlfriends around shopping or picking us up from our dances. Dennis was a part of our family for many years, always here for the highlights of my life. My Wedding, living upstairs in a flat above my husband and I in Michigan, My graduation...always here, never missed an occasion. My father and Dennis were like brothers always up to something crazy. I express my heartfelt condolences to all of Dennis' family and friends. He was an angel on earth. I love you Dennis, thank you for all of the love and memories you have left with me. God Bless you and I will keep the coffee on...
Scott Lopaka
December 25, 2008
Uncle Dennis just loved Christmas. He would've been here now, dragged out of his house against his own will, taking pictures of the girl's and compalining that there's only two eggs in my house. I loved that he would be with us even though he "bah hum bugged" about everything Christmas. Just another example of his "don't care" tough guy character. Fake. Everyone who really knew Uncle Dennis knew he cared about it all. And when I say all, I mean all of it.
Now that he's gone I am finding out how great he really was. He gave to just about every charity out there. He donated to the GMHC, he gave to homeless shelters, children in Africa, ex-illigal trappers rehabilitation (also in Africa), greyhounds from all over the US, and the list goes on. He invested his time and money into helping friends and family whenever they needed it. Uncle Dennis would act like he could care less but before you knew it whatever trouble you were having ended and you always found out later it was because of him. Uncle Joe told me a story very similar to that.
The man was amazing and I feel a lot of guilt because I realize just how amazing after he's gone. Now don't get me wrong, the man made me who I am today and I would always tell him how greatful I was (which he would reply "Shut the -colorful word -colorful word- up") but now that he's gone I have had a chance to see that part of his life that he kept hidden. Not hidden in a dark secret way but in a way that would not tarnish his "tuff guy" persona. The man was truly a Saint. I can't explain it any better then that. He gave me a life I would have never known had he not become involved in it. Uncle Dennis became a very impotant part of my daughter's lives. He also had a wonderful relationship with my wife. He was more then an Uncle to me and I can't make a comparison to what he was. It makes my chest hurt to think about what he meant to me and to everyone who knew him.
The missing him part only gets worse for me. I think I buried myself into getting his Estate together so I wouldn't have time to mourn him. Now I can't get him off of my mind. I can only imagine how Aunt Tina, Aunt Cinny, Aunt Jodi, Uncle Joe and DAD must feel. The memories you guys must have. You guys must have tons of wonderful (and I'm sure horrible ) memories of Uncle Dennis.
I and everyone who had the pleasure to know Dennis W Hickson will deeply miss him. He was an amazing man and if I get to be a fraction of what he was I'll be doing okay. Thanks for doing this Aunt Tina and we all love you down here in Florida.
Gary Fogelman
December 20, 2008
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Paul Darcy
December 10, 2008
Dear Uncle Dennis,
I am not going to sugar coat your personality at all, as all of the readers need to be reminded of what an instigator you were, for them to appreciate this story.
My favorite Uncle Dennis story (I have many) took place when I was about 12 years old and we were living at 108 Colberg Avenue. At the time I had 3 BB guns and my parents were constantly threatening to take them away, because of my reckless behavior. I had already shot bb's at both of my brothers, the neighbor's dog, birds and I don't even remember what else.
So, one day Uncle Dennis comes down the cellar while I am having bb practice. Right away he starts instigating and I state "Dennis I have a bb gun and I will shoot you". So, Dennis starts to back peddle, states 'he is sorry and will not tell my parents'.
Reluctantly, I let him go and as he walks up the stairs he turns around and states "sucker, I am going to tell your parents". Needless to say, I shot the bb's into his butt and told him to take that with him.
Even though my parents took away my bb gun, I believe it was worth it to me. I still hold the memory of Dennis pulling down his in front of the whole family so my mother could determine whether he needed to go to the ER of not. It was, borrowing from AMEX 'priceless'.
Now I have a lot of memeories like that of Dennis in those days when life was less complicated, when I was protected by my family and basically did not have a care in the world.
Now, I am afraid I will miss 'Uncle DH' considerably more! I loved him very much as did his whole extended family and his many friends. No matter what I will always have these memeoris and for that Dennis thank you.
Forever in my heart and mind, all my love, your nephew
Paul
Blake Marshall
December 9, 2008
Dear extended family of Dennis, you have my heart felt sympathy. I worked with Dennis in Saudi Arabia and we became good friends. He visited New Zealand in 1988 and we had a ball. We kept in touch over the years by late night phone calls and the last time I saw him was in 1991 at LA airport. I will miss him dearly. Take care all of you.
love, Blake
PAUL DARCY
December 9, 2008
I HAVE NO WORDS EXCEPT TO SAY
I'M SORRY - YOU'RE ALL IN MY THOUGHTS. - UNCLE PAUL
Susan Cheetham
December 8, 2008
Dear Tina and family you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carene Darcy
December 8, 2008
Dear Tina, Cindy, Butch, Jodi, Joe and family members. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Dennis at Tina and Jerry's for so many years and how much he loved your kids. I know how sad it is to lose a sibling and how long it takes to get over the loss, although I don't believe we ever get over it, with the help of God we learn to live with the loss and remember the good times. You are all in my prayers.
Laura Carroll
December 8, 2008
Tina, Kirsten and Dickson family,
I am very sorry for your loss. I remember Dennis as a very kind man. Kirsten and I were going out to Costello's in J.P. one night, probably 17 years ago, and Dennis came along. We were having a grand old time for ourselves and left about 2 am. At about 1/2 way home, we realized that we left Dennis at Costello's, and were his ride home. Kirsten put both hands on her face and said "Dennis". It was like the movie Home Alone when they left their son home, but when we went back to get him, he wasn't upset. Dennis just rolled with the punches. Good man. May he rest in peace.
Karen Cebulske
December 8, 2008
Dear Aunt Tina,
Just wanted you and your whole family to know that I am thinking of you during this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts & prayers.
Love,
Karen, Jeff, Alex & Lauren
Rochelle Fox
December 7, 2008
It's so hard for me to put anything in words when it comes to Dennis. I was his favorite niece (he told me so). The truth is he was always what I needed him to be and he knew it. I have so many memories of Dennis as far back as maybe I was three and he took me to the zoo, I was riding on his shoulders near a monkey cage and a monkey threw poop at us, it got on my brand new shoes, I can still remember his laugh. These are the things I treasure and will never forget. We rode motorcycles over to Naples for the first time in early 08 and I got us lost on the way there, he got us lost on the way back and all I could do was laugh, I kept saying look uncle D we are bonding. I told him I loved him as often as I could (he only allowed one per conversation). I miss him and can't believe he's gone. As bad as I feel about missing him I hurt more for my brother and his girls, If Dennis was exactly what I needed him to be he was that much more to Scott & Family.
My brother said something so touching last week. I hope there is an after life and Dennis is pissed..
Miss you uncle D.H.
GREG PALMER
December 6, 2008
D.W Was A TRUE FRIEND AND A WONDERFUL PERSON.I MEET HIM IN 1973 IN CHICAGO IL.WE WORKED FOR TWA TOGETHER.WE WERE BOTH SCUBA DIVERS AND WE BEGAN TRAVELING THE GLOBE DIVING.I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER ALL THE EXCITING TIMES WE HAD.WE WERE TALKING ABOUT A TRIP BACK TO SMALLHOPE BAY BAHAMAS.IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT REUNION.I AM SO THANKFUL TO HAVE KNOWN HIM SO WELL.YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.I LOVE YOU MAN . GREG PALMER WORDEN IL
Christine Darcy
December 6, 2008
Dennis,
I am really having a hard time letting go. When we were last together did we say goodbye, when we last talked did we say goodbye? Did you let me tell you I love you or did you shut me off? I know that you told me a couple of times, just to make me feel better when I was having a hard time.
What do I remember from your 62 years? Most of my thoughts are wonderful and funny-you and Nana Danyluk-you wrecking havoc on your younger sibs and mum-you with my children-we are all sharing funny, funny stories.
Colberg Avenue when you brought all your airline friends to party, Red Sox games when we could get tickets. Travelling with you alone, then with you and my friends who became your friends.
I remember, most of all, our recent visit. Cinny, Butch, you and I along with Scott, Jody,Rochelle, Jim, Macy, Reese and Aidan. I laughed so much my stomach hurt! You ate the meatloaf John sent and actually named it the McCain/Palin meatloaf. You said it was the last 'open house' you would have. And what about all those Obama volunteers you were friends with, were you really a Republican?
I have lost a brother, a friend and a travel companion. I have lost , along with you the dogs who have gone before you. I hope that Ruby, Buddy and Orbit stay together in a wonderful home.
I thank and love Scott and Rochelle who are left with so much to deal with.
I thank Friends of Greyhounds who have done so much.
Most of all I thank and love all my family and friends and friends of yours for all the support they have given me during this period.
Tina
Jim Tracy
December 5, 2008
My Condolences to the Hickson Family. Dennis was a good kid from the old neighborhood, we hung out with the same bunch untill Uncle Sam called us all in different directions. Viet Nam was getting started and if you did not go off to college you went off to the service. Rest now Dennis for your battle is over.
Ellie Gillespe
December 5, 2008
My memories of Dennis go a long way back. We grew up in the same neighborhood and I went to school with his sister Cinny.
Denny asked me to his senior prom and brought me a dandilion bouquet. He was a lot of fun. We also spent some time in Sedona, Arizona with his sisters. We went on his E ticket and got stuck in the airport over night. I was lucky enough to see Denny again this summer and we took another picture of us together for olde time sake. He said he needed a new picture on his computer as he had our prom picture on there for all these years. He was a great human being and loads of fun. He will be missed.
Love you Denny! Ellie
A donation has been made to the Friends of Greyhounds in Fla.
Catherine Darcy
December 5, 2008
Dear Dennis,
When I think of you I have so many funny memories; the swearing parrot Salty on Colberg Ave who swore at Mickey emulating your exact voice; you stealing and reading my diary; the "no talk days" with Tina, and many many more. One thing is for sure for someone who pretended to be so tough and aloof, you are one of the most caring and compassionate people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. You have helped the lives of so many people and animals. Even in death, you continue to help others by donating yourself education and learning. You helped me so much by giving me an apartment when I was in college. You are a remarkable man who will be terribly missed by so many. Rest in Peace, Love Always, Cathy xoxoxox
Kirsten O'Brien
December 5, 2008
Mom, Butch, Cinnie, Joe and Jodi - I am so very sorry for the difficult loss of your caring brother.
My sisters, brothers, and cousins - I am so very sorry for the difficult loss of such a supportive,caring and very funny uncle.
Scottie, thanks for all of your hard work in Florida taking care of everything Dennis needed from you. I wish I could be there to help, and I am so thankful all of us have you there as you are such a great guy leaving us all worry-free that you can handle everything.
Dennis was not just my uncle. He was my friend, my brother, my role model. I will hold on to the many memories I have of us together. He spent a lot of his time with his many nieces and nephews and was so giving of his love, even though he tried very hard to pretend he was forever annoyed by us. I'd like to share some humor with you. Several years back when I saw the movie "It's a Wonderful Life" for the first time, I spoke to Dennis on the phone the next day. I said, "Dennis, I saw you in a movie last night." You're the real live Mr. Potter." He laughed hysterically for about 10 minutes- as you all know he loved to TRY to act like he was cheap and didn't want to share his money with anybody. Of course that was his tough act, and he would have given anyone of us the shirt off of his back. I made him laugh this hard again just recently. Him and I were talking on the phone one day, and he asked why I turned out so nice and normal, but my siblings were crazy. I responded, "That's because you raised me Dennis." He could not stop laughing and absolutely loved that response- No offense mom and dad, he lived with us for so long it was like I had 3 parents. He is up there now laughing his butt off knowing that I shared this with all of you. I love you Mr. Potter-aka The Bestest Uncle
Brooke Lopaka
December 4, 2008
It is moving to see & hear about how many lives Dennis touched. He was a great man and I am truly saddened that my daughter will not get to meet the 'Favorite Uncle'.
Dottie Anderson
December 4, 2008
One beautiful summer day, we shared the beauty of the Maine coast with Dennis and his sister, Tina. He was the kindest, most generous, family loving guy on the planet...so full of life. He leaves a long list of friends and family who love him very much. When I'm feeling low, I'll remember his joyful spirit. Dottie Anderson (Boston, Ma.)
Dorothy Giarla
December 4, 2008
We traveled to Africa with Dennis in January and spent a week with him in Florida in March. Dennis was a terrific guy and a lot of fun! The memories of our times with him are priceless and will fill us with laughter for years to come. Dennis will always be with us... we are so saddened by his loss. May you find comfort in your memories of Dennis too and in knowing how many people he touched in life.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Dorothy & John
April Pearson
December 4, 2008
To my uncle, & my friend, who cared so much and expected so little. Last time I saw you we were saying goodbye on the sidewalk in Manhattan. We had a blast over brunch and drinks. I know there's a picture somewhere of us on that day, I am frantically trying to find it. It was one of our many great visits, that then turned into great talks after my move to Texas. Our love for our dogs and our understanding of them much more so then the human race was always the topic of conversation. You will be missed and never forgotten! For my brother, and sisters, uncles, aunts and cousins I hope you find some peace in all the wonderful memories.
April
Showing 1 - 40 of 40 results
Make a Donation
in Dennis Hickson's name
Memorial Events
for Dennis Hickson
How to support Dennis's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Dennis Hickson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
