John Bert Hickey Jr's Obituary
John Bert Hickey Jr, 66, of Tampa Florida passed away on March 13, 2023, after a prolonged battle with Mycobacterium Avian Complex. John is preceded in death by his parents John Bert Hickey and Betty Joan Hickey, as well as his sister Joan Hickey.
He leaves behind a large extended family, his sisters Linda Bumgarner (Jim), Suzanne Runey (Randy), Diane Durkee (Dan), and brothers Michael Hickey and Patrick Hickey (Cecilia), 10 nieces and nephews, 24 great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
John was born September 6, 1956, and was a graduate of Plant High School. He was a jack of many trades including a realtor, master mechanic, boat captain, arborist and so many more.
John never met a stranger. He could talk to anyone about anything and almost always had a story to tell. John was beloved by many friends. He enjoyed boating, fishing, diving, and cars. He always loved passing a day working on cars with his uncles, fishing with friends, or fixing things with family.
John was also an amazing uncle. His nieces and nephews fondly remember trips to the Florida Keys where he would let them drive the boat, teach them how to catch lobsters and even do cannonballs off the side of the boat to get rid of the jellyfish. This extended to his great nieces and nephews as well. John always had at least one little sidekick following him around while doing projects, especially when power tools were involved. Even if it was dangerous and the parents were worried (jack hammers and tree mulchers!) John would never say no to a willing helper and always made sure they were safe.
Thank you to all of his many dear friends who helped and supported him so much over these past few years.
We all now have a large empty space where John once was, but we hope to fill it with stories and memories, so we never forget how wonderful he was and how much he meant to so many people. So please share all your stories with us so we can continue to remember John.
Graveside service will be at 10:30am on April 1, 2023, at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery within the Oaklawn Cemetery in downtown Tampa. All are welcome to celebrate his life with friends and family at the reception immediately following.
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