John J. Hickey, III

John J. Hickey III, 70, of Marina del Rey, California, and a native son of Stamford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 13, 2026. Born on December 31, 1955, John was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend whose warmth, humor, and generous spirit left a lasting mark on all who knew him.
Born and raised in Stamford, John carried the strength, loyalty, and easy charm of his hometown with him throughout his life. He was the fourth of seven brothers and one sister, a proud namesake of his father, John J. Hickey Jr., and a man who seemed to inherit many of his father's finest qualities: a striking presence, a welcoming smile, and a rare gift for making every person feel at ease with a handshake, a kiss, or a warm embrace.
John shared a beautiful marriage of 44 years with his beloved wife, Cathy (Giglio) Hickey. Together they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and family. One of their great joys was dancing together, from ballroom to disco to tango. That love of dance began early for John, who became a national ballroom champion at the age of eight.
Athletic, spirited, and deeply competitive, John excelled in sports from an early age, especially baseball, basketball, and football. He treasured the memories of his younger years and the lifelong friendships forged during them, particularly with the close-knit group of friends affectionately known as the "Gypsies." Those bonds, formed in youth, remained strong and meaningful throughout his life. He was also a loyal, long-suffering fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Knicks, and those who loved him cannot help but smile at the thought that he may finally have the best seat in the house for a championship run. An avid golfer, John continued to relish the time he spent on the course, especially in retirement.
He cherished his formative years on Connecticut Avenue in Stamford and his time at St. John's Parochial School, where many of the memories and friendships that shaped him first began. He later graduated from Rippowam High School, Class of 1973, and went on to attend Central Connecticut State College. Stamford was always part of who John was, no matter where life carried him.
Following in his father's footsteps, John worked at Richard's of Greenwich for more than 40 years, where his natural charisma and gift for connecting with people made him an exceptional salesman. Like his father, he had a way of brightening a room-he was always smiling, always engaging, and always a pleasure to be around.
Of all the roles John held in life, the ones he treasured most were husband, father, and grandfather. He especially loved coaching his sons in their younger years and took immense pride in watching them grow into the men they are today. In recent years, his greatest joy was being "Pop" to his four beloved grandchildren, Charlotte, Ace, Leo, and Ava, a role he embraced with endless affection and pride.
John was predeceased by his parents, John J. Hickey Jr. and Frances (Arcano) Hickey; his father-in-law, John Giglio; and his sister-in-law, Anne Romano. He is survived by his loving wife, Cathy (Giglio) Hickey; his sons, Jason (Vili) Hickey and Garrett (Laura) Hickey; his siblings, Donald Hickey, Paul (Barbara) Hickey, Joyce Sorrell, Peter Hickey, David (Phyllis) Hickey, Joseph (Robert) Hickey, and Thomas (Karen) Hickey; his mother-in-law, Carole Giglio; his brother-in-law, Thomas Giglio; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him deeply.
Family and friends may visit at Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Myrle Avenue, Stamford, Connecticut on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 8:00am till 10:00am. A Funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 10:15am and proceed to St. Cecilia's R.C. Church, 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, Connecticut, for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the American Cancer Society in John's name.