William J. Hickey

Former Bradford County Commissioner and former Mayor of Sayre William J. (Bill) Hickey, 89, of Sayre Pennsylvania, passed away on Friday, May 17, 2019 at his loving home following an extended illness.

William John Hickey (Bill) was born in Sayre, PA on July 18, 1929, the son of Arthur and Ann Solomon Hickey Sr.

He was a 1946 graduate of Sayre High School, where he was a standout basketball player.  Upon graduation at age 16, he entered the US Army and served in Japan. 

He married Joanne Rindfleisch in 1959.  She predeceased him on April 24, 1975. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sarah (Sally) Torrance Hickey. 

Bill and Joanne had six children:  Tim (Beth), of South Waverly, PA; Tom of Mossy Head FL; Brian (Katie) of South Waverly, PA; Andrew (Vicky) of Sayre PA, Michael of Sayre PA; and Colleen Hanafin (Larry) of Sayre PA.  Bill loved and supported his nine grandchildren:  Douglas, Mark, Morgan, Mason, Alison, and Cristin Hickey, and Connor, Quinn, and Kelly Hanafin. 

In addition to his parents and first wife, Bill was predeceased by his brothers Arthur (Wilma) Hickey Jr., Daniel Hickey, and sister Joann Reynolds.  He is survived by his sisters-in-law, numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. 

Bill was employed by First National Bank of Sayre as assistant manager, and then worked 17 years as the Business Manager of the Sayre Area School District.  During his tenure, he also served as Acting Superintendent of Schools for a short time. During those years he was a PIAA High School Basketball Referee and coached one year of varsity girls’ basketball at Sayre.   

After his retirement from the school district, Bill was able to extend his passion for his community by serving in several public positions.  He was appointed County Commissioner in the 1980s to fill a vacated position.  He then was elected Mayor of Sayre for two terms.  Following that, he served on the Borough Council for one year. Bill was extremely proud of the men and women of the Sayre Police Department. Bill was honored by the council and community by having the new Sayre Police Station named the William J. Hickey building for his service and dedication to the town he loved.  Many people in the community recognized his gray truck as he made daily trips through the borough. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Sayre Fireworks, the Borough Christmas Parade, and Christmas is for Kids. 

Bill’s community involvement included memberships in the Sayre Elks Club, The Sons of Italy (social), The Catholic War Veterans (social), the Moose, Veterans of Foreign Wars Sayre Post, Athens American Legion, Sayre Engine Company #1, and the Sayre Historical Society.  He was a Trustee of the Guthrie Healthcare System and was the current Chairman of the Sayre Hospital Authority.  He previously served on the Board of Directors for BlueCross BlueShield of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Guthrie Federal Credit Union, and Greater Valley Emergency Medical Services.

The family extends thanks and appreciation to the aides of CareGivers America for their compassion and supportive care.    

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May24,2019 at 10AM at The Church of The Epiphany in Sayre. Internment will be held immediately after the service in St. James Cemetery ,Waverly, NY. with full military honors being accorded.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made in William Hickey’s name to Greater Valley EMS, 904 N. Lehigh Ave., Sayre PA 18840; or to the Sayre Public Library, 122 S. Elmer Ave., Sayre PA 18840, in William Hickey’s name.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of The Thomas Cremation and Funeral Service, 1297 Elmira St. Sayre, Pa. Those wishing to leave a sympathy message for Bill’s family may do so at thomascremationfuneralservice.com

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