John E. Hickey Jr.

John Edward Hickey Jr., age 66, passed away on January 2, 2026.

Born on July 27, 1959, in Suffern, NY, John was the son of Helen and John Hickey Sr. He spent most of his life in West Haverstraw before later residing in Stony Point with the love of his life of 44 years, Dee.

John lived a full and energetic life defined by hard work, humor, and a deep commitment to his family and community. A true jack of all trades, his career reflected both versatility and an unwavering work ethic. Over the years, John worked at Letchworth Village, helped paint the Tappan Zee Bridge, drove a cement truck for Keahon Brothers, worked for Abby Ice, served as a school bus driver, and was a golf course ranger at West Point. He also co-owned PJ's Deli with a close friend and was the inventor of the Display-a-Cap.

John dedicated much of his professional life to public service and law enforcement, answering a lifelong call to protect and serve his community. He began his career as a part-time police officer with the Village of Haverstraw and the Town of Ramapo while simultaneously working full-time with Rockland County Corrections. John later joined the Town of Haverstraw Police Department as a full-time officer, where he proudly served for 29 years, rising through the ranks to Lieutenant. During his tenure, he also served as a D.A.R.E. officer in the North Rockland Central School District. Even in retirement, John continued to serve as Deputy Chief of the Town of Highlands Police Department.

Athletics were a lifelong passion for John. He was an avid golfer, continued playing flag football well into his 50s, and was a diehard New York Jets and Mets fan. A regular at the gym who loved lifting, he took great pride in staying strong and active. He also devoted countless hours to coaching youth sports, including Haverstraw Little League, St. Peter's CYO basketball, and North Rockland Pop Warner football, leaving a lasting impact on generations of young athletes. Most recently, he served as an assistant varsity football coach at North Rockland High School from 2021 to 2025.

Above all else, John was a devoted family man. He was a loving and supportive husband, an exceptional father, and the biggest fan of his children and grandchildren, proud of each of them and all they accomplished. Those who knew him will remember his easygoing nature, his love of being outdoors in the sun, and his incredible sense of humor.

John is survived by Dee, the love of his life, whom he married in 1981. He was a proud father to Johnny (Lauren), James (Amanda), Justin (Stephanie), and Bela (John), and an adoring grandfather to Justin Jr., Falon, Sawyer, Benjamin, Jack, and Hayden, each of whom brought him immense joy and pride. He is also survived by his sisters, Peggy Hickey (Linda) and Tammy Bitts (Jimmy); his brother-in-law, Fred Ricker (Aimee); mother-in-law Judy Ricker; and many cherished nieces and nephews whom he loved deeply. He is further remembered by extended family members and countless friends whose lives he touched in meaningful and lasting ways.

Visitation services will be held at T.J. McGowan Sons Funeral Home in Garnerville on Sunday, January 11, from 2:00–6:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, January 12, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Peter's Church in Haverstraw.

In lieu of flowers, a John Hickey Memorial Scholarship Fund will be established for students of North Rockland High School. Additional details will be shared in the near future.