Mr. John (Bob) Hickey

February 22, 1925 - June 19, 2020

John Robert (Bob) Hickey Age 95 Born 2-22-25 died 6-19-20 John was born in Grand Rapids as an only child to John A. and Alice Hickey. John is survived by his wife Shirley with whom he just celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary on June 2nd. Two daughters Judy Hardy and Susan Hickey. A son John R. Hickey Jr. and his wife Kathy. Four grandchildren, Ryan M. Hardy (Kristina Sullivan), Scott J. Hardy, Jennifer Hickey (Austin Gilroy), and Jason Hickey. Several nieces, nephews and cousins. John was a graduate of Catholic Central High School (class of ‘42), where he was a valuable member of the city championship basketball team. After serving his country John returned home and earned his Bachelor’s Degree at Aquinas College where he also was a member of the basketball team. John is a proud veteran of the US Marine Corps having attained the rank of Staff Sgt during WWII. John served from 1943 to 1946 where after graduating from airborne radar operator and aviation radio school in Jacksonville Florida he was eventually assigned to the Central Pacific/Marshall Islands region. John retired from General Motors in 1990 after 39 years of service at the Grand Rapids Metal Fabrication Plant where he worked primarily as a scheduler for the Tool and Die activities. John was an honorary lifetime member of the Grand Rapids Camera Club and received numerous accolades and awards for his portraits. For many years John was a youth basketball coach for the Holy Spirit Titans of the Grand Rapids Catholic Athletic League. John was a very positive influence on his athletes and was able to impart not only his wisdom of the game of basketball but of life. John and Shirley spent many active years as members and officers of the Holy Spirit Boosters club from which they gained a circle of friends that remains today. John was extremely proud of his four grandchildren and really enjoyed hearing about and witnessing their adventures and travels. Grandpa wasn’t one to boast but you sure could sense the pride he felt when he was with them. The kids were always grateful for the life lessons he would share with them such as “be careful when driving in the winter, bridges always freeze first” or as we were reminded frequently “have you gotten your oil changed lately?” and of course the ever popular “measure twice cut once”. We would always laugh but we still remember those and many others. Grandpa was extremely smart, well read, analytical and meticulous. Most importantly he was a man of faith and provided his family with a strong foundation of service, generosity and kindness towards others. He would always place each other’s welfare before his own. John was a very strong proponent of Catholic education and athletics. John and Shirley were strong supporters of Holy Spirit, Blessed Sacrament and West Catholic athletics and school activities. Many evenings and Saturdays were spent watching their grandchildren participate in football, volleyball, softball, baseball, skiing, science fairs, school plays, etc. John and Shirley were members of the Falcon Touchdown Club for many years. The family would like to thank Spectrum Hospice, Spectrum Visiting Nurses (Tina and Heather), and Dr. Daniel Drumm for their compassionate care and service to dad and mom. The family would also like to thank the Carmelite Sisters of Parnell for their spiritual support and to their many friends and relatives for their emotional support. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday June24 at 11:00 AM at Holy Spirit Church where he will repose one hour before the Mass. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Tuesday June 23 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd NW where the Rosary will be prayed Tuesday at 7:30 PM. The family is requesting memorial donations to the West Catholic Athletic Department.