Gary W. Hickey

Gary W. Hickey, age 75, of Greentree, formerly of Brighton Heights, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2023; He was the Beloved Husband of the late Janet Hickey; Father of Tracey (Jim) Vescio, Michael Hickey, Michelle Hickey and Melissa Hickey; Grandfather of Jonathan and Ashley Vescio, Destiny and Isabella, Branden, Budda, Troy, Dante and Ta'Mya; Great-grandfather of Kinsley and Bryson; Son of the late John and Trudy Hickey; Brother of Skip (Carol) Hickey and the late  Mary. Gary was a retired Firefighter for the City of Pittsburgh, Station 35, Orchlee Street.

When most people say the word "Superhero", they think of a comic book fictional character. To us grandchildren, the name that comes to mind was our pap, Gary Hickey. There was no greater Superhero in our lives that could ever leave the mark that he left on us. There was nothing fictional about a man who risked his life everyday as a strong devoted Fireman to this city and family. The term "Role Model" would be an understatement on what he was to all of us. Not a single graduation was missed, not a sporting event he hasn't seen, not a birthday card forgotten, and most importantly no "more or less" love given to any of his 9 grandkids as he loved us all the same.  He installed the blue print in all of us on how to walk the very life we are given.   He taught us all how to tie our shoes, helped us do our homework, and showed us the inside and out of fire houses and trucks. But the most important thing he taught us all is how to be a family, and how to protect and stand side by side each other when things got rough.

That is what we will continue to do forever as we say goodbye to the man who raised us all to be the best versions of our selves. No Purple Power hockey game will be the same without our#1 fan, no more nursing milestones to celebrate, and no more great--grandchildren to be met; but the stories will always be remembered by us, the community, and no one will ever forget the name Gary "Firefighter Pappy" Hickey. Everyone is deeply saddened and broken, but we know Grandma was waiting at the gates of heaven waiting to bring you home forever. We don’t know how to start this new life without you, but thanks to you, we will follow the steps you left behind to be able to build it back stronger than it was before. We will always love you, and a legend like you can never be forgotten.  Thank you Pap!

Family and Friends will be received on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Thomas P. Kunsak Funeral Home, Inc., 3552 California Avenue at Davis Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA    15212-2104; Private Family Burial on Wednesday at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville, PA.

Military Honors and Gun Salute Tuesday at 4:00 pm at the Funeral Home.  Firemen will have a Service and Salute to Gary Tuesday  at 7:00 pm at the Funeral Home.