1949
John
2019
John Hicks
November 9, 1949 — June 13, 2019
John J. Hicks, "THE CHIEF", age 69, of Drexel Hill, PA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on June 13, 2019.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late William and Mary Hicks.
"The Chief" was a 1967 graduate of Monsignor Bonner High School in Drexel Hill.
John joined the Highland Park Fire Company as a volunteer at the age of 16.
He rose through the ranks becoming Fire Chief of the Company, during the 1980's and 1990's.
He also served as President of the Company for five (5) years.
John also held the position of Deputy Chief, Upper Darby 9-A, for the Upper Darby Fire Department, retiring in 2010, and was a proud member of IAFF Local 2493.
"The Chief" was a part of many, many lives within the Upper Darby Fire Department.
When Upper Darby 9-A was running the scene, you knew things were under control
-
even if you still had fire blowing out the windows.
When he marked up as arriving on the fire grounds, you knew he was in command.
When mentoring young firemen, John would give them one piece of advice "LISTEN to the experienced, senior men.
They are here to help, guide and show you why."
John was also a long time member of the Greater Overbrook String Band and a member of the Mummers Association, playing the accordion.
He marched in numerous New Year's Day parades and also was a leader of the String Band serving as President for several years.
"The Chief" loved spending time with his family, grandchildren, and going to the beach.
John is survived by his wife, Susan Cook-Hicks (nee Berstler), his children Dawn Van Osten (Steven), James Caden (Paula) and his stepdaughters Lisa Cook and Debbie Cook.
He is also survived by his brother, Bill Hicks (Susie), his grandchildren Steven, Gina, Julianne, William, Maggie and Jacqlyn and his nephew Billy, nieces Tracy and Jen and many great nieces and nephews.
Relatives, friends and all organizations of which John was involved are invited to his viewing Thursday, June 20, 2019 5:00-9:00 PM and Friday, June 21, 2019 9:00-10:00 AM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike (cor. Lynn Blvd.), Upper Darby, PA (610) 449-0300 and to his Funeral Mass 10:30 AM at St. Laurence Church, 8245 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA.
Interment Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill, PA.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in "The Chief's" name may be made to Highland Park Fire Company, 24 Park Avenue, Upper Darby, PA 19082 or to the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Donohue Funeral Homes Inc.
8401 West Chester Pike
Upper Darby 19082, United States
Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late William and Mary Hicks.
"The Chief" was a 1967 graduate of Monsignor Bonner High School in Drexel Hill.
John joined the Highland Park Fire Company as a volunteer at the age of 16.
He rose through the ranks becoming Fire Chief of the Company, during the 1980's and 1990's.
He also served as President of the Company for five (5) years.
John also held the position of Deputy Chief, Upper Darby 9-A, for the Upper Darby Fire Department, retiring in 2010, and was a proud member of IAFF Local 2493.
"The Chief" was a part of many, many lives within the Upper Darby Fire Department.
When Upper Darby 9-A was running the scene, you knew things were under control
-
even if you still had fire blowing out the windows.
When he marked up as arriving on the fire grounds, you knew he was in command.
When mentoring young firemen, John would give them one piece of advice "LISTEN to the experienced, senior men.
They are here to help, guide and show you why."
John was also a long time member of the Greater Overbrook String Band and a member of the Mummers Association, playing the accordion.
He marched in numerous New Year's Day parades and also was a leader of the String Band serving as President for several years.
"The Chief" loved spending time with his family, grandchildren, and going to the beach.
John is survived by his wife, Susan Cook-Hicks (nee Berstler), his children Dawn Van Osten (Steven), James Caden (Paula) and his stepdaughters Lisa Cook and Debbie Cook.
He is also survived by his brother, Bill Hicks (Susie), his grandchildren Steven, Gina, Julianne, William, Maggie and Jacqlyn and his nephew Billy, nieces Tracy and Jen and many great nieces and nephews.
Relatives, friends and all organizations of which John was involved are invited to his viewing Thursday, June 20, 2019 5:00-9:00 PM and Friday, June 21, 2019 9:00-10:00 AM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike (cor. Lynn Blvd.), Upper Darby, PA (610) 449-0300 and to his Funeral Mass 10:30 AM at St. Laurence Church, 8245 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA.
Interment Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill, PA.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in "The Chief's" name may be made to Highland Park Fire Company, 24 Park Avenue, Upper Darby, PA 19082 or to the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Visitation
Friday, June 21, 2019 9:00 AM - 10:00 AMDonohue Funeral Homes Inc.
8401 West Chester Pike
Upper Darby 19082, United States
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