David A. Bickley

David A. Bickley

MARBLEHEAD: David A. Bickley, 64, lifelong resident of Marblehead, OH died peacefully July 1, 2013 at Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH surrounded by family. He was born November 5, 1948 in Port Clinton, the son of the late Lawrence D. and Margaret (Kassai) Bickley.

Mr. Bickley worked for the GM/Delphi Plant in Sandusky retiring in 2003. He was a United States Army Combat Veteran serving his country in Vietnam from 1968-1969 as part of the 1/28th Inf 1st Infantry Division earning a bronze star and purple heart with cluster. He was a member of St Joseph Catholic Church, Marblehead, V.F.W. Post 7572, Marblehead, American Legion, D.A.V, Eagles #444 Sandusky and U.A.W. Local 913 retirees.

David was an avid Civil War and military historian as well as a dedicated advocate for the preservation of America's Civil War heritage and battlefields. As a member of the Little Big Horn Associates, David studied the life of George Armstrong Custer. He was fond of sharing his love of U.S. history with his family through many trips to Gettysburg, PA and other historical sites over the years. David also enjoyed participating in weekly "Focus Group" meetings with his friends, cheering on the Browns and Indians, sharing the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, and spending an evening around a campfire. He had a huge heart for animals and loved his pets Preacher (cat), Skip and Rita (dogs), and his best friend Jackson who he referred to not as a dog, but as a quadraped.

Surviving are his sons, Joseph (Amy) Bickley; Matthew (LeeAnn) Bickley and daughter Jennifer Bickley both of Marblehead; grandchildren, Airrin Perruchon, Michaela Bickley, Haley Bickley and Zachary Bickley. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother Daniel.

Prayer services will begin at 10:00 am Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at Neidecker, LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home, Peninsula Chapel, Lakeside-Marblehead followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Marblehead, OH. Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday from 1:00 - 3:00 and 6:00 - 8:00 pm and also Wednesday morning from 9:00 - 10:00 am. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery, Marblehead, OH.

Memorial contributions may be given to Civil War Trust, 1140 Professional Court, Hagerstown, MD 21740; Disabled American Veterans, 1240 E. 9th Street, Room1015, Cleveland, OH 44199; or St. Labre Indian School, P.O Box 216, Ashland, MT 59003-9989.