Austin Jackson HICKEY

16 OCT 1927 - 28 APR 2022

• BIRTH: 16 OCT 1927, Goshen, Elkhart, IN
• DEATH: 28 APR 2022, Granger, St Joseph, IN

• MARRIAGE: 23 APR 1948

INDEX

[N32122] Austin Jackson Hickey
October 16, 1927 ~ April 28, 2022 (age 94)

Austin Jackson Hickey, known in his hometown as “Bud” and to his friends as “Jack,” was born to Myrtle Hickey in Goshen, Indiana, on October 16, 1927. His three sisters, Virginia, Margaret and Gloria, preceded him in death. His beloved wife, Rosemary, passed in March of 2006. Jack passed away in Granger, Indiana, on Thursday, April 28, 2022. He is survived by his two sons, John and Scott; his two grandchildren, Alfred Hickey and his spouse Miao Li, and Nora Hickey and her spouse Clay Davie; and his great-granddaughter, Julia Rosemary Li Hickey. His presence will be greatly missed by family and friends. At the age of 17, shortly after graduating from Goshen High School, Jack enlisted in the United States Navy to serve in World War II. He served as a seaman in the Pacific and was involved in the operations around Okinawa Island. After the war ended, he saw a different kind of action as a member of the Shore Patrol, hustling Marines out of opium dens in China. Whenever he traveled or went to an important function, Jack always proudly wore his World War II service pin. When he returned home, Jack enrolled in the South Bend College of Business and received an associate degree in accounting. But Jack had other things on his mind besides rows of numbers, for he had met and began dating Rosemary King. At first, Rosemary was unsure if she wished to continue to date, but, as anyone who knows him could attest, Jack could be very persuasive. They were married on April 23, 1948 and enjoyed a very successful and supportive marriage. Jack had been a hard worker ever since age six, when he earned pennies to help support his depression-era family by shoveling snow off the steps of a Goshen funeral home. Later, as a newspaper boy, pedaling his bike far and wide, Jack gathered so many new subscribers that he won a trip to New York City - his first adventure away from Goshen. Jack’s travels eventually took him all over that United States and the world. But he always returned to Goshen and the Olympia Candy Kitchen for an olive nut sandwich. After the war, Jack began his career selling pre-fabricated homes to returning G.I.’s and ended it as one of the most successful real estate developers and home builders in the Michiana area. His homes were known for their quality and character, and Jack was known and honored by customers and trades people for his honesty and trust. Jack was also honored to become part of the Notre Dame sports family. In fact, at one point, he had either built or sold a home to every coach of every sport at Notre Dame. He supported Notre Dame through donations, scholarships and cheering on the Irish. Never a fair-weather fan, Jack remained loyal to all coaches when things were going great and when they were not going so great. While his participation at Notre Dame enabled him to meet and become friends with several notable people, including Notre Dame President Father Theodore Hesburgh and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Jack had an uncanny ability to connect with almost everyone he ever met. His broad smile, sparkling eyes and mischievous wit won over virtually all who met him. Whenever he went out to eat (which was often), he would invariably leave, knowing the back story of not only the owner of the restaurant, but also that of the server. If there was one quality for which he will be remembered, Jack was always sincerely curious about other people and made them feel valued for who they were.Funeral and graveside services for Jack will be held privately with family. To celebrate Jack’s life, the family will announce a memorial gathering for friends at a later date. Palmer Funeral Home-Hickey Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Please do not send flowers. Instead, please consider making a donation in memory of Jack Hickey to Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County, 402 E. South Street, South Bend, IN 46601. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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Austin J Hickey
Census • United States Census, 1930

Name Austin J Hickey
Sex Male
Age 2
Event Date 1930
Event Place Jackson, Elkhart, Indiana, United States
Birth Year (Est) 1928
Birthplace Indiana
Marital Status Single
Race White
Relation to Head Son
Father's Birthplace Indiana
Mother's Birthplace Indiana
Event Type 1930 Census

Austin J Hickey's Parents and Siblings

Ihymos Hickey Father M 45 New York

Name Ihymos Hickey
Sex Male
Age 45
Event Date 1930
Event Place Jackson, Elkhart, Indiana
Birth Year (Est) 1885
Birthplace New York
Marital Status Married
Race White
Relation to Head Head
Father's Birthplace New York
Mother's Birthplace New York
Event Type 1930 Census

Mertle Hickey Mother F 30 Indiana

Virginia Hickey Sister F 11 Indiana

Mariah A Hickey Sister F 5 Indiana

Name Mariah A Hickey Sex Female
Age 5
Event Date 1930
Event Place Jackson, Elkhart, Indiana
Birth Year (Est) 1925
Birthplace Indiana
Marital Status Single
Race White
Relation to Head d Daughter
Father's Birthplace Indiana
Mother's Birthplace Indiana
Event Type 1930 Census