Donald Michael Hickey, 64, of Pendleton, NY passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 13, 2015 while vacationing in Cozumel, Mexico. Born and raised in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Donald and Sylvia (Sorta) Hickey.

Donald, a lifelong resident of Niagara County, graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1968 and later enrolled in a Respiratory Therapy Program. He began his military career during the Vietnam Era and continued to serve first in the National Guard and finally the U.S. Army Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1991. In 1971 his guard unit was activated to Attica Prison to regain control of the prison during a riot. He was also deployed to Oman during the Persian Gulf War in 1991. Donald was employed as a respiratory therapist at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center from 1972 until the present time. It was there that he met his wife and best friend, Laura (Tripoli) Hickey who he married on April 22, 1989 at Good Shepherd Church in Lockport, NY. They remained constant companions until the very end. Donald enjoyed traveling, watching horse races in Saratoga Springs, taking family vacations to Lake George and New York City. He also liked attending garden walks, craft shows, baseketball games and concerts with Laura as well as hunting and snorkeling. He especially loved spending time with his family, hosting family picnics and riling up his grand dogs Cooper, Marlie and Morgan.

Mr. Hickey is survived by his beloved wife, Laura; his two devoted daughters Rachael (Matthew) Grabek and Kathleen (Boyd) Hickey from his first marriage to Patricia (Onesi) Bateson, all of Niagara Falls, NY; his three granddaughters Molly Pakosigan, Gabrielle Grabek and Natalie Grabek also of Niagara Falls, NY. He is also survived by his sisters Theresa Hickey of Niagara Falls, NY and Nancy (Raymond) Bouvy of Rochester, NY; his sister-in-law Linda Tripoli of Lockport, NY; his nephews Neil (Jessica) Hickey of Niagara Falls, NY and Brian (Cayla) Hickey of Beaumont, TX along with his great niece Fiona Hickey of Niagara Falls, NY; his uncle James Sorta, Sr. of Niagara Falls, NY and many cousins. He was predeceased by his father- and mother-in-law Alfred and Ruth Tripoli.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2 – 7 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will be held on Monday, February 23 at 10 a.m. concluding with Military Honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association WNY Chapter, 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 6, Williamsville, NY 14221.