Benjamin Joseph Hickey

1929 - 2022

Benjamin Joseph Hickey
September 1, 1929 - December 16, 2022
Benjamin Joseph Hickey (Benny), 93, of San Rafael passed away peacefully on December 16th. By his side was his loving wife of 63 years, Elizabeth (Betty), his adoring daughter, Sheila Gee, and his tall son Bob Hickey. Ben was the father of three loving children, Sheila Gee (Tim), Neil (deceased) and Bob (Julie), adoring Papa to three grandchildren, Ryan Hickey, Sean Hickey and Shane Hickey, and fond brother of Joan O'Brien (dec), Dan Hickey, Bridget Lynch, John Hickey (dec) and Margaret Lochran.
At the age of 17, Ben emigrated to the United States from Co. Cork Ireland, to work as a farmhand in Chiloquin, Oregon where he made his reputation as a reliable, hard worker. As soon as he became eligible, Ben applied for and was granted US Citizenship, something he was very proud of. With that Ben was drafted into the Army and after his Army service, Ben settled in San Francisco where he met Betty, the absolute love of his life. He began his careers in the City as a Bus Driver by day and, together with Betty, a successful Real Estate Entrepreneur every other minute of the day.
Besides his role as devoted parent and grandparent, the most important aspects of his life, Ben was a philosopher, teacher, engineer, adventurer, jokester and tinkerer and never let a day go by without learning something. He was an inveterate writer and diarist, and he loved meeting people and hearing their stories.
Ben is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins in California, New York, Ireland and England.
Memorial contributions can be made in Ben's name to Marin Health Foundation, Greenbrae, CA.
Family and friends are invited to visit at Duggan's Serra, 500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City on Wednesday, December 21 from 3pm-7pm, with the Rosary at 5:00pm, and the Funeral Mass on Thursday December 22 at 11am at St. James Catholic Church, 1086 Guerrero Street, San Francisco. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma.
As Ben wrote: "Born 9-1-29, very poor. Awful lucky, guardian angel on shoulder. Lived American dream, left family secure. Died happy on December 16, 2022. Thank you God."