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Jerry Fickes Obituary
AGE: 51 • Newark
Passed away heroically in the line of duty on Saturday, September 24, 2016 fighting a Wilmington house fire. Everything he did in his life was guided by his faith in God.
Born in Evanston, IL, Mr. Fickes was the son of Jerry W. Fickes, Sr. and the late Jo Ann (Geist) Fickes. He served his country proudly in the US Army as an airborne infantry officer and was a graduate of Washburn University in Topeka, KS. He worked for Old American Life Insurance Company in Kansas City and moved to Delaware to work for AIG Life. He received his Fellowship from the Society of Actuaries and began consulting for Ernst and Young in Philadelphia. While at AIG, he wanted to find a way to give back to his community which led him to the fire service. He was a longtime volunteer firefighter and eventually assistant chief at Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company in Newark. On December 15, 2003, he joined the Wilmington Firefighters and was assigned to C Platoon of Squad 4. He was with his Squad when a floor collapsed while fighting a fire.
Jerry will be dearly missed by his wife of 26 years, Laura (Hovey) Fickes; his sons, Benjamin Paul and Joshua David; his father, Jerry W. Fickes, Sr. of Rio Verde, AZ; his siblings and their spouses, Karen and Frank Perkins of Austin, TX, Steven and Karen Fickes of Bethesda, MD, Jeri and Scot McBroom of Alexandria, VA, Kimberly and David Thompson of Lubbock, TX and David and Donna Fickes of Lubbock, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to visitation on Thursday, September 29th between 5 PM and 8 PM and Friday afternoon after 2 PM at Grace Lutheran Church, 2033 Graves Road, Hockessin where funeral services will begin at 4 PM. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Lutheran Community Services, 2809 Baynard Blvd., Wilmington, DE 19802 or to the Food Bank of Delaware, 14 Garfield Way, Newark, DE 19713. Online condolences may be made at www.MealeyFuneralHomes.com (302) 652-5913.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Fickes
Bill BUTTERWORTH
September 22, 2019
Jerry will always be missed, but thought of respectfully as a firefighter and a peson.
Andrew Kenner
August 7, 2018
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Jerry was a great friend and will always be a hero. Love you Laura, Ben, and Josh.
Andrew, Jennifer, Noah, and Rachel Kenner (and bones the dog)
Joanne Shaver
October 4, 2016
Laura, Ben and Josh, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Joanne and Bob Shaver
and PJ Czulewicz
Mark, Cathy and Jackson Parsells
September 30, 2016
Laura, Ben and Josh,
We are praying for all of you and for Jerry. It was a blessing to have known Jerry and to know each of you. Please except our most sincere and heartfelt condolences.
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September 30, 2016
Dear Laura, Ben and Josh,
My deepest sympathy for your family. Praying for strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Marlene Kobus
Thacker Family
September 30, 2016
Our sincere condolences to the Fickes Family
Joni Creighton
September 30, 2016
Much love to you and your boys Laura! xoxo, John & Joni
Tiffany Dill Laing
September 29, 2016
Oh Jay and Laura,
Time has a way of going by so very fast and I'm so very thankful for the fond memories of you both...Your beautiful wedding (I was so honoured to be a part of it) and visiting your home in Delaware while we were stationed in Dover. You opened your home to us several times and always made us feel welcomed. My heart breaks for you Laura and I am sending you cyber hugs from Canada. Love, Tiffany Dill Laing
September 29, 2016
MAY GOD BLESS, RIP
HOWARD MCMILLAN RET.
MILLSBORO,DE
Ryan Healy
September 29, 2016
Say not in grief he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was -Hebrew proverb.
While we can't help but feel sadness in this time of loss, we must also remember him for who he was. A friend, a family member, a husband, a father, and a hero. He risked his life for the sake of others, a more noble cause I cannot think of. So as we mourn, let us honor his memory, and take comfort in that we will see him once more in the kingdom of God.
Pat Lysik
September 29, 2016
So very sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Pat Lysik
September 29, 2016
when i am called to duty wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save a life whatever its age. help me embrace a little child before its too late , or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert ane hear the weakest shout, quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling to give the best in me, to guard my friend and neighbor and protect his property. And if according to your will I must answer deaths call, bless with your protecting hand my family one and all.
September 29, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Laura, Ben, and Josh. Jerry was a truly unique and wonderful person. Take care and we are really sorry for your loss. Mike & Nancy Marino (former neighbors)
Christy Oka
September 29, 2016
Mr. Fickes, Rest in Peace!
Mrs. Fickes, and Fickes boys, our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Oka Family
September 28, 2016
Jerry, we will forever remember you. May peace be with your Beloved family. You are a Hero of mine!
Gene Spence & Family.
Ryan Hadenfeld
September 28, 2016
I was shocked and sorry to hear the news. While I haven't seen you in many years we were able to reconnect recently because of actuarial science.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God be with you.
Joshua Hanauer
September 28, 2016
Rest easy brother.
Mary Winnington
September 28, 2016
Condolences to the Fickes family and all brothers and sisters in the fire service.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Paul Wildey
September 28, 2016
You join the fire Service the same year I joined Mill Creek Fire Company and we work side-by-side in several fires. You will be missed by many.
September 28, 2016
I can't believe it. I went through Dorothy Moody Elementary all the way through SMS high school with Jay, I have a good friend Joe Stapp ( Now of Overland Park) who Fought fires in Delaware along side him. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Ferrin-Kline family
September 27, 2016
To the Fickes family: with a heavy heart, I'm sorry for your loss. Jerry was a wonderful man and a hero. My family have fond memories of your family being good neighbors especially at Halloween. Prayers out to the family, friends, and WFD and Aetna Newark.
Deb Julius
September 27, 2016
So sad to hear of Jay's passing. He was always an enthusiastic kid looking to have fun and fully participate in what ever was going on. Our condolences and sympathies to Jay's wife and boys along with rest of his family.
Shawn Bailey
September 27, 2016
One of the best firefighters I knew Godspeed brother
Alyn Scritchfield
September 27, 2016
I didn't know Jerry personally, but as a volunter firefighter, I know his spirit. The world is a better place for Jerry having been in it. My deepest condolences to the family and friends.
September 27, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the Fickes Family during this difficult time. I have many memories of Jerry while he was active with Aetna. We will never forget you! You are the true meaning of a hero! God Speed my Friend.
Bill Butterworth
September 27, 2016
He came to Aetna as a probe. He grew to a Assistant Chief. Always with service to others.
He will be missed greatly by the Aetna family.
God bless Jerry and his family.
Barb Schmitt
September 27, 2016
Memory Eternal.
Joe Sanford
September 27, 2016
Rest Easy Brother. You truly lived the Aetna motto, "Service For Others".
Mike Donahue
September 27, 2016
Rest In Peace
Chip Thompson
September 27, 2016
Missing you Jerry. We both came into Aetna, progressed together, and shared a lot of times around the station, on incidents, and the Air Rescue Team. I will truly cherish our time together. Laura, Ben, Josh, and family our hearts mourn for all of you. He truly loved you guys and we talked all the time about our families anytime we saw each other. Please know that Aetna, WFD, and the Fire Service will ALWAYS be here for all of you anytime you may be in need or just want to visit. We Love All Of You and You All Are In Our Thoughts and Prayers. Rest easy Jerry and you will forever be in our hearts.Love You Brother......Very Respectfully,Chip Thompson and Family
Etronda Queen
September 27, 2016
May God bless this man who gave his life to spare others, prayers go out to his family may God keep you all strong and always remember he died a HERO!
Charlene Kobetis
September 27, 2016
Truly a hero!
rosemary cintron
September 27, 2016
So very sorry for the family's loss. Such a great hero!
Cindy Veal-Manista
September 27, 2016
Only our bravest serve. God Bless you firefighter and I pray for your family to find comfort in the days ahead.
R.I.Paradise
Donald Biddle
September 27, 2016
RIP, My Hero!
Mike
September 27, 2016
I'm deeply saddened by the loss of Lt. Christopher Leach and Senior Firefighter Jerry Fickes.
David Brown
September 27, 2016
I will remember Mr. Fickes's dedication to his son's education at the Charter School of Wilmington. An amazing family whose sadness will be tempered by their faith.
--Dr. David W. Brown
Bourdon Family
September 27, 2016
Your family is in our prayers. RIP Senior Firefighter Jerry Fickes Jr.
Jeannette Cona-Larock
September 27, 2016
While I can't be there in person, please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. The entire community is mourning with you. May God lift you up in the darkest times and bring you peace. Someday, the tears will lessen but the good memories will always remain.With much love, Jeannette Cona-Larock
Jean Warren
September 27, 2016
May the Peace of Christ comfort you. Jean Warren
September 27, 2016
So sorry to hear of your tragic loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
John J Samluk( Sammy )
Laura Pantalone
September 27, 2016
Thank you for your services and bravery to our community! May you rest in peace
Wendy Haines
September 27, 2016
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers
Wendy Haines
September 27, 2016
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Beth & Daphne Stingel
September 26, 2016
We will remember Jerry's boundless faith and loving spirit.
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