Alvan W. Hicks

Alvan William Hicks, 87, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and longtime Milford resident, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2020 at home, where he and his beloved late wife Nancy raised four children. Alvan was born in Lynn, MA on March 18, 1933, son of the late Alvan P. and Alice M. (Crowley) Hicks. He and Nancy were happily married for 62 years until her passing in 2017. Alvan was raised and educated in Lynn, graduating from Lynn Classical High School. He received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University in 1955, and his Masters of Business Administration from Northeastern University in 1963. Alvan moved to Milford in 1959 to join Hitchiner Manufacturing. He then accepted a position at Hollis Automation Inc. in the late '60s, where he ultimately served as President of the company. Throughout his career, he continued to be active in the Air Force, piloting KC-135 refueling jets. He retired from the military in 1993 as the Commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard at Pease Air Force Base. Alvan and Nancy spent their honeymoon on Lake Winnipesaukee, which held a special place in his heart as they spent each summer thereafter on the lake at their Barndoor Island home with family, focused on fun, laughter and making great memories. He treasured being a loving "Grampa" to his seven grandchildren, attending their sporting events, and enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling, golfing and Nancy's famous pinwheel cake, now a family tradition. Alvan was a former Milford Town Budget Committee Chair, volunteered at SCORE, and was an active member of Church of our Saviour, previously serving as a vestry member and usher. Survivors include daughters Linda Smith and husband Thomas of Swansea, MA, Pamela Thomas and husband Mark of Chichester, NH, and Laurie Hicks and wife Vanessa Apostolou of Coventry, RI; daughter-in-law Lisa Hicks of Hopkinton, MA; sister Marilyn Cloran and husband Richard of Swampscott, MA; grandchildren Shauna Gillem and husband Leu, Kelly Casey and husband Patrick, Robert Thomas, Patrick Smith, Jason, Ryan and Braden Hicks; sisters-in-law Carol Messina and husband Vincent, Beverly Hicks and Judith Heath; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his wife and parents, Alvan was predeceased by his son, Alvan W. Hicks Jr. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in Alvan's memory to Church of Our Saviour Memorial Fund, 10 Amherst St., Milford, NH 03055. The Cremation Society of New Hampshire (www.CSNH.com) is assisting with arrangements.