THOMAS HICKS

Thomas Joseph Hicks, 88
Retired engineer, father of seven, enjoyed Maine vacations and Oldtimers baseball
On July 15, 2016, Thomas Joseph Hicks (Tom), 88, died peacefully at Staten Island University Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Tom was born in Rosebank on Staten Island, son of Edward and Mary (Cunningham) Hicks. He graduated from St. Peter's High School in 1945 and served in the U.S. Navy. Tom returned to New York in 1946 to attend Manhattan College on the G.I. Bill.
Three days after graduating with high honors from Manhattan College with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, in June 1950, Tom married the love of his life, Gloria Elia. Tom and Gloria met as teenagers at Kaltenmeier's Playground in Rosebank, and they were married for 61 happy years until her death in 2011.
After his wedding, Tom served in the U.S. Navy Seabees during the Korean War and received an honorable discharge in 1952.
He earned his license as a professional engineer and worked for TAMS Consultants in Manhattan for over 40 years until his retirement in 1992. During his career, he was involved in the design and construction of major highways, bridges, tunnels, and airports in the U.S. and internationally.
Tom was an avid sports fan and played basketball and baseball at high school and throughout his younger days, retiring with the Staten Island Baseball Oldtimers at age 47. In his leisure he loved to read, travel, play tennis, and golf. He was active in his church, serving as Eucharistic minister for 20 years.
His biggest pleasure was taking yearly vacations in Maine surrounded by his large family and playing bocce at family gatherings.
Tom was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Gloria (Elia) Hicks; his brother, Edward, and sister-in-law, Ellen; his brother, Lawrence, and sister-in-law, Sarah.
He is survived by his seven children, Celeste Sheehy (Gary), Thomas (Lois), Kevin (Catherine), Martin (Laurie), Lawrence (Patricia), Dorothy Bloy (John), and Michael (Kathleen). He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, all for whom he always held a special place in his heart.
Viewing is Monday, July 18, at Hanley Funeral Home from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Mass and burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 19, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, New Dorp.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Father Gannon Memorial Scholarship Fund at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, S.I., N.Y.
Hanley Funeral Home
60 New Dorp Lane
Staten Island, NY 10306
(718) 351-1800