Hickey, Dennis F.
Dennis F. Hickey passed away peacefully on September 21, 2016, surrounded by his family in the home he built for them on the shore of Long Island Sound.
Dennis lived a very full and rich life, but family was always his first priority. He was born on December 10, 1941 in Corinth, NY, the son of William Joseph and Marie Purcell Hickey. Dennis enjoyed working with his father at the International Paper Company and he later devoted 45 years to building a family business, Sonitrol Securities of Bridgeport. Dennis started the company with his wife, B. Joan Hussey Hickey, and his son, Jeffrey L. Hickey, worked with his father for 10 years before taking over as managing director.
Dennis graduated from Tufts University in 1963 with a degree in chemical engineering. While there, he nurtured his love of sports as a successful left-handed quarterback and as captain of the varsity track team. After receiving his undergraduate degree, Dennis served as 1st Lieutenant and Commanding Officer, serving honorably on active duty with the United States Army Air Defense Command and the Army Chemical Corps during the Vietnam War. He served in the Army Reserves while attending the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration, earning a DuPont Fellowship and a degree in Business Administration in 1968.
Dennis met Joan, the love his life, while enjoying après ski with friends on the slopes in Vermont. They travelled the world together, enjoying each other's company, experiencing other cultures, savoring great food and wine, and appreciating countless beautiful sunsets. In winter, Dennis loved to ski and spend time with his family in their home at Sugarbush in Warren, Vermont. Ever the athlete, he also loved his weekly racquetball matches and his basketball games with a loyal group of life-long friends from Greater Bridgeport.
Dennis will be especially missed by Joan and Jeffrey, as well as his daughter-in-law Hannah Lintner-Hickey and his granddaughter Riley J. Hickey. He is also survived by a brother; Paul Hickey, M.D. and his wife, Ann Marie of Dover, MA; and two sisters, Lori Landis Hickey of Warren, VT; and Lynn Hickey Schultz and her husband, Tim, of Boston, MA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dennis also will be missed by his wife's family, originally from Nehant, MA; Leland, Heidi and David of MA; and Holly Hussey of Brooklyn, his neighbors and the many friends who knew him as a kind, generous and gregarious man who cared deeply for others – including his Sonitrol employees and customers. He took great pride in providing local jobs and electronic security systems designed to protect schools, businesses and homes. As owner of one of the first dealerships in New England, Dennis' hard work contributed to Sonitrol's growth into a successful, international company.
Dennis also gave generously to many local organizations; volunteering his time to build a playground at the Guilford Center for Children, and serving on the Elm Shakespeare Gala Committee and the Board of the Mulberry Point Association, where he was treasurer. He especially loved giving advice and running the numbers to help young people buy their first home. Dennis and Joan opened their home every year to welcome summer and their Mulberry Point neighbors; always with great food, a good glass of wine and a big smile. Dennis lived and loved to the fullest; a gift he leaves us all.
The family has planned a memorial celebration for Friday, September 30, 2016. It will begin with a family-only ceremony in the Memorial Garden beside the First Congregational Church, 122 Broad Street, Guilford, CT 06437. Family and friends are invited to the church, from 2 to 3 p.m., to a celebration of Dennis' life officiated by the Rev. Dr. Ginger Brasher-Cunningham.
In lieu of flowers, Dennis and Joan request contributions to a scholarship fund established in Dennis' memory at the Guilford Center for Children, 47 Stone House Lane, Guilford, CT 06437.
Arrangements in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit: www.GuilfordFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Joan, Jeff, and Family,
My sincere condolences. I will always remember him for his kindness and the opportunity he gave to me while working at Sonitrol.
Sincerely,
Terry Henry
October 6, 2016
Joan, Jeff and family...
So very sorry to hear of Dennis's recent passing. He was truly a blessing to any who spent time with him. Clearly, Dennis will not only be missed by family and friends but also by many in the business world and local community. May many loving memories ease your sorrow, comfort your soul and bring you peace in the days ahead...
Lovingly, Linda and Tom
Tom and Linda Day
October 5, 2016
So very sorry to hear of Dennis passing. I always enjoyed my dealings with him. May he rest in peace.
Richard Tucker
September 30, 2016
I am saddened to hear of Dennis' passing. I've known Joan and Dennis for many years and was so glad to see them this past Christmas. I will miss his positive outlook and warm smile, which always made me feel so good.
Rita Schiavone
Hamden, CT
Rita Schiavone
September 29, 2016
Peace, uncle. You are missed.
Katie Hickey Schultz
September 28, 2016
Joan, my deepest condolences as you mourn Dennis. He is at peace in the arms of his God. I'm so grateful that I had the chance to visit with you and bless Dennis the Saturday before he died. So hard to believe that this time last year Dennis was helping you hang your art exhibit at Mercy by the Sea.
Ann McGovern, RSM
September 27, 2016
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76.
September 26, 2016
Dennis was one of my favorite customers at People's United Bank. He always told me of all his travels and was always so upbeat. May you rest in peace.
Carol Sabo
September 25, 2016
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