IN MEMORIAM
F. Roger Hickey, 74, Oneonta;
Chaired Hartwick Physics Dept.
ONEONTA – F. Roger Hickey, 74, longtime chair of Hartwick College’s physics department, passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at his home, surrounded by his family.
Roger was born June 8, 1942, in Troy, the son of the late Frank R. and Ann (O’Malley) Hickey. He attended Catholic Central High School in Troy. He received his bachelor’s in physics from Sienna College, and both his master’s and doctorate in physics from Clarkson College.
He retired in 2011 as professor emeritus from Hartwick College, where he worked for 42 years. He was department chair from 1976 until 1991. He was a member of the Advisory Board of the Science Discovery Center of Oneonta, the Advisory Board of Oneonta Newman Foundation, eucharistic minister and usher at St. Mary’s Church in Oneonta and a founding member and treasurer of the Oneonta Region Chapter of the Compassionate Friends for 20 years.
He had numerous papers published in The Physics Teacher, research publications in the American Journal of Physics and publications in Physics Education. He also marketed the computer programs “Galileo” an adventure-type game in physics, and “PhysWiz” a collection of 37 interactive pedagogic programs. The programs are for use at the introductory college or high school level.
He was also an avid gardener. He loved animals and traveling. Mr. Tibbs, his cat, was his constant companion the times he was bed bound.
Roger is survived by his wife, Paula W. Hickey of Oneonta; his daughter, Sharon Ann Hickey of Oneonta; his brother, Robert Hickey, Ph.D (Catherine Donohue); cousin Patricia Jennings and her children Erin and Ryan Jennings; his sisters-in-law, Helen W. Alford (Nelson R) and Victoria W. Dinehart (Wendell) and his nieces and nephews, Michael Hickey (Jessica), Caitlyn Hickey, Jonathan Alford (Jennifer), Daniel Alford (Jocelyn), Michael Alford (Meredith), Matthew Dinehart, Sarah Dinehart Wible (John) and Benjamin Dinehart.
He was predeceased by his parents, and his son, Kevin D. Hickey.
Calling hours are 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand St., Oneonta at which time the family will be in attendance.
A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, in St. Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut St., Oneonta, with Rev. John P. Rosson, pastor of St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Church in Cooperstown, officiating. Interment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.
Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website: www.grummonsfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home.
