Joseph E. Hickey

Joseph E. Hickey May 15, 1928 - Feb. 3, 2015 NILES - Joseph E. "Joe" Hickey, born May 15, 1928, the baby of eight children of Kathryn B. and Thomas L. Hickey Sr., died February 3, 2015. Joe, as did all of his brothers and sisters, attended St. Joseph's Grade School and Central High School. Joe, and his five brothers attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating from the school of business in 1950. In 1951, he was drafted into the army and served two years during the Korean War. While in Yokohama, Japan, he formed the first N.D. Club of Japan in 1952. After his return from the army in 1953, on a trip to the N.D. vs Southern Cal football game pep rally, he met Mary McGann (whose parents were accompanying her on their final trip together before she was to enter a cloistered order of religious in Tarrytown, NY). They had their first "date" after the pep rally along with a cast of thousands. On June 12, 1954, Mary and Joe were married at Sacred Heart Church (now Basilica) at Notre Dame. They were blessed by four daughters: Mary (Joe) Woodka of South Bend, Katy (Mark) Bradford of Bloomington, IN, Anne (Dan) Brown of Winchester, VA, and Sue (John) Holmes of South Bend; three sons: Joseph Jr. (Kathy) South Bend, Albert (Ann Marie) Western Springs, IL, and preceded in death by Dan (Boomer) in March 2010. He began his career with The Hickey Construction Company (later The Hickey Company) in 1954. Over many years, they were included in numerous landmark structures in the mid-west. In 1980 he co-founded Erskine Manor Associates, Inc. Together with the Sisters of The Holy Cross on the site of the former estate of Albert Erskine (an early President and successor to the Studebaker Brothers company), they developed Erskine Manor on South Miami Street. Joe later developed Erskine Downs and the condominiums ~ also on the Erskine Estate. In 1988, he co-founded "The Pinnacles" to develop property on Lake Michigan at South Haven, MI. In 2005, Mary & Joe made their residence on the St. Joe River near Niles, Michigan. Joe is survived by his beloved wife Mary and their six children, 20 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; also survived by his sister, Patricia "Pat" Sarb of Dearborn, MI. He was preceded in death by siblings: Tom, Louis, Don, Kathleen, Jerry and John. He was a member of St. Matthew's Cathedral, South Bend, and a devoted member of Alcoholics Anonymous, recently celebrating 39.5 years of sobriety. The family wishes to thank, most sincerely, the numerous physicians and caregivers who have served Joe/Dad over the years. Your caring and concern have been very much appreciated. Visitation will be held from 2:00 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 6, 2015, at the Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN. There will be a brief wake service at the funeral home at 5:15 p.m. conducted by longtime friend, Fr. Charles "Charlie" Kohlerman, C.S.C. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, February 7, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew's Cathedral, 1701 Miami Street, South Bend, IN. Services to be concelebrated by dear friends Monsignor Michael Heintz, Pastor & Rector, St. Matthew's Cathedral, Monsignor William Schooler, Pastor & Rector of St. Pius X Catholic Church, Granger, IN, and Rev. Charles Kohlerman C.S.C. Burial to follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Memorial contributions may be made to: Ara Parseghian Medical Research Fund, 4729 E. Sunrise Dr. # 327, Tucson, AZ 85718-4535; Christ Child Society, 308 S. Scott St., South Bend, IN 46601; St. Matthew's Cathedral, 1701 S. Miami South Bend, IN 46613; or St. Pius X Church, 52553 Fir Rd., Granger, IN 46530. Online condolences may be sent to the Hickey family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.