Lawrence Joseph Hickey, 98, beloved husband of the late Lorna May Hickey, died peacefully on April 5, 2021, at home.  Larry was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 8, 1922, the sixth of nine children of Hannah and Lawrence Hickey.  

In his teens, Larry was a bat boy for the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field.  He frequently told amusing stories of his interactions with the great baseball players of that time, including Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.

Larry enlisted in the Navy when he was 17 and served aboard various aircraft carriers during World War II, and was a flight engineer for the Blue Angels after their formation in 1946.  He faithfully served 20 years active, and 10 years reserve.  He also worked at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, assisting in military transports to Viet Nam and other US air bases around the world until his retirement in 1980.  

When Larry retired active service, he and Lorna settled in Lumberton, New Jersey, where they happily lived for 53 years.  They moved to Port St. Lucie, Florida in 2010, and in August of 2020, Larry moved to Savannah, Georgia to reside with his daughter Joanne and her husband, Steve.

Larry’s favorite hobby was dog obedience and field training.  He obtained numerous titles for his prized golden retrievers over the years.  In addition, he and his dogs performed in an exhibition group that visited nursing homes and various outdoor venues, bringing attention to the skills, temperament, and dedication of the breed.  

Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Lorna, and siblings, Katherine Harrington, Aileen Hickey, Gwendolyn Pitcher, Robert Hickey, James Hickey, and Geraldine Hauck.  He is survived by his daughters, Joanne (Stephen) Fitzgerald, and Michele (Richard) Saunders; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and his adoring dog, Patsy.  He is also survived by his devoted brothers, John (Frances) Hickey, and Edward Hickey.

Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.