David L. Hickey

David L. Hickey, 91, of Clyde, NY, passed away on June 25, 2026. He was born on November 9, 1934, at the family home at 99 Osborne Street in Auburn, NY, the fifth of six children born to Joseph J. and Genevieve A. Hickey.

David was educated in the Auburn Catholic schools, attending St. Mary’s School before graduating from Holy Family High School. He went on to earn his degree from LeMoyne College, the Jesuit institution in Syracuse, of which he remained a proud alumnus throughout his life.

David devoted over 30 years of his professional life to teaching high school English in the Clyde-Savannah School District, shaping generations of students with his love of language and vocabulary — a gift he passed on equally to his children. While at CSCS, Dave was the varsity tennis coach for many years, as well as yearbook advisor. He possessed a wealth of knowledge about history of all kinds, with a particular passion for the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the Erie Canal.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy Reserve for over 12 years, which took him to several bases around the country and aboard ship for several weeks each summer. David was a dedicated citizen of his community. He served several terms as Deputy Mayor of Clyde, was a member of the board of the Galen Historical Society, the Clyde Economic Development Corporation, and a founding member of Clyde SPAN and SOAR. Dave also championed the monthly breakfast gatherings of retired teachers, maintaining lifelong friendships with former colleagues.

In his personal life, David was a man of many passions. For numerous years, he looked forward to his weekly rounds of golf with his foursome, “The Nomads,” who took turns choosing a different course every Thursday during the summers. He also loved chess and played regularly right up until his final months — a testament to his sharp and lively mind.

After retirement, Dave and his wife Paula enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends across the country and made two cherished trips to Ireland, honoring their family roots. He loved working on the family tree and its history alongside his granddaughter Emily — connecting the past to the next generation.

Above all, David loved to laugh. He maintained his sense of humor and that trademark twinkle in his eye throughout his life. He was happiest with his family around him and deeply proud of all three of his children. That spirit was on full display each summer at the “Hickey Open” in Schroon Lake, NY, where extended family and friends gathered for golf and the simple joy of being together. Dave had a profound empathy for the human condition, and he was a friend and mentor to many throughout his life.

David was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Paula (Klink) Hickey; his parents, Joseph J. and Genevieve A. Hickey; his brothers John (Rupert) Hickey, the Rev. William H. Hickey, and Paul F.X. Hickey; and his sister Miriam Hickey Herrling.

He is survived by his children, Susan Hickey of Woodstock, VT, Joseph (Lauren Pagano) Hickey of Rochester, NY, and Molly Hickey of Trenton Falls, NY; his granddaughter, Emily Crist of Buffalo, NY; his sister, Genevieve McQueeney of Auburn, NY; his brother-in-law, John (Suzanne) Klink of Owasco, NY; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and their children.

David’s children would like to thank a special neighbor, Dan Ketchum, who joined Dave for weekly Friday lunch complete with spirited discourse about current events and local news, which was a joy to him.

In addition, Dave’s comfort in his final days could not have happened without the support of his Hospice nurses, Courtney and Kirsten, whose professionalism and care were stellar and allowed him to stay at home.

The family invites callers to visitation at Langham Funeral Home, 48 South Street, Auburn, NY on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 3–6 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Auburn, NY on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 10:00 am, followed by burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Auburn, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph the Worker Church, Clyde, NY, Rochester Regional Hospice, or a charity of one’s choice. Please visit www.Langhamfuneralhomellc.com to leave a condolence. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David L. Hickey, please visit our floral store.