John P. Hicks

John P. “Johnny” Hicks, age 61, of Whitman, passed away unexpectedly on November 22, 2025.

Johnny was a communicant of Holy Ghost Parish and the loving and devoted son of Sheila T. Hicks of Whitman and the late John D. Hicks. Beloved brother of Kristene E. George of Whitman and the late Kathleen M. Frank, and brother-in-law of David Frank of Plymouth. Proud uncle to Edward, Thomas, Jack, and Mark George of Whitman; Matthew Frank of Plymouth; and Emily Frank of San Diego, CA. He was also the cherished cousin of Kathleen S. Bretagne of Braintree and her husband, Rick Bretagne.

Johnny graduated from Whitman-Hanson Regional High School, class of 1982 and from the moment he could walk, he could skate. Growing up, he was rarely seen without a hockey stick, puck, and net nearby. An exceptional goalie for Whitman-Hanson, Johnny found pure joy on the ice, along with countless hours of street hockey around town. Those were some of the happiest years of his life, filled with friendship and the game he loved. He also had a lifelong love of music with albums too many to count, though none meant more to him than the Rolling Stones.

As an adult, Johnny walked through life carrying a heavy cross, bravely battling mental illness. Yet through every difficult day, he never lost his faith or let go of hope. His spirit remained kind and gentle. Many in the community knew him from his regular visits to Dunkin’ Donuts, where he greeted customers with a smile, a wave, and an eagerness to chat or reminisce.

Johnny lived his life in service to others—always ready to help, to listen, or simply to stand beside someone who needed a friend. If you knew Johnny, you truly had one.

We could all learn from the quiet, unselfish way he moved through life- giving freely and judging no one. His kindness was effortless. His generosity came naturally. And his heart was bigger than he ever realized.

Johnny’s light will forever remain with those who loved him. May he rest in peace, and may we honor him by living with the same compassion, humility, and grace he showed every day.

Family and friends are invited to a funeral Mass for Johnny on December 1st at 1030AM at the Holy Ghost Parish located in Whitman at 518 Washington St. There will be a burial to follow at the St. James Cemetery off of Harvard St. in Whitman.