Carol Berry

Rotterdam, NY

Dear Sir/Madam: I wanted to make sure that my uncle Gerry Hickey's picture and brief description of his life as a U.S. Marine will be able to be seen and read by all. My uncle was so full of life, great attitude when he was injured in war with a head injury and was told he would never be able to walk again; no was not an option in my uncle's eyes. With pure faith, hope and tenacity he was able to walk again although with partial paralysis on his right side; he was right handed and learned how to do everything all over again on his left side. He was a true war hero, he fought for our great country without any questions or pushback. He was a SSgt. of the United States Marine Corps, Ret. He was 70 years old, passed away Monday April 14, 2008 at his residence in Quantico, Virginia. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts and was the son of late James and Ann (Gould) Hickey. My uncle Gerry was a decorated Vietnam Veteran of the U.S. Marines. He was a Drill Instructor at Parris Island and attended Officers Candidate School in Quantico, VA. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion Post 11 in Brookline, MA, the Stephen F. Rutledge VFW Post 864 in Brookline, MA, the Elk Lodge 886 in Brookline, MA and the Marine Corps League Mickey Finn Detachment in Quantico, VA. A mass of Christian burial will be offered at 12:00 Noon Friday April 25, 2008 at the St. Frances of Assisi Catholic Church in Quantico, VA. The burial with full military honors will follow at Quantico National Cemetary. Semper Fi. His wish to pass away at home in Quantico, VA was fulfilled by everyone in the family and friends. It was a labor of love for Gerry, he didn't want to end up in a nursing home and be forgotten. He was especially well taken care of at home by my cousin Ronnie and Stevie and by other family members and lots and lots of friends. He loved being a Marine; he had a great life through the Marine Corps. He was dedicated until the last day of his life, he moved from Boston, Ma. bought a house in Quantico, VA off of 5th Avenue, helped so many Marines by being there for them especially if they needed a place to stay. He offered his home, and whatever he had he would give and never expected anything in return. Once a Marine always a Marine. Semper Fi! God bless you. This picture was taken less than a year ago we knew that this would have been the last time we would see him and so we dressed him in his military uniform and brought him to the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, VA. Although he was sick and in a wheelchair he was a strong man. His heart and soul was the Marine Corps it was his family. I have so much respect for my uncle and for the Marines thank you for everything that you have done and are still doing for this great Country we live in! God Bless America and R.I.P. Uncle Gerry we love you! Your niece Carol