Had a passion for the opera and symphony
STONEHAM — George Sallaway Hickey of Stoneham, formerly of Melrose, age 89 passed away quietly on January 1, 2023.
George was born in Boston on January 8, 1933, to Herbert J. Hickey and Regina E. Sallaway. He grew up in Dorchester and resided in Melrose for over 40 years. George attended Boston College High School, Boston College and St John’s Seminary. He had extreme pride in being a Double Eagle.
Mr. Hickey was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He had many careers early in his life and enjoyed working at The Registry of Motor Vehicles until his retirement.
Mr. Hickey was an active volunteer at Mystic Valley Elder Services, enjoyed involvement in the local theater and singing in choral groups. His passion for singing continued at Bear Hill Nursing Center where he participated in many concerts, often as a solo.
Mr. Hickey had a passion for genealogy, trivia, reading, travel, the arts, ballet, opera, and the symphony, especially the Melrose Symphony Orchestra.
Mr. Hickey was predeceased by his wife, Virginia M. (Mills). He is survived by his two daughters Susan W. and her husband Timothy Yee (Arlington, Ma.) and Theresa M. and her husband Andrew Melnikas (Barrington, N.H.); five granddaughters Kelly and husband Andrew Saltman (Fla.), Casey and husband Ross Mason (Fla.), Jennifer and husband Peter Wayshville (Ma.), Jillian and husband Dane Hurt (Fla.), and Julia Burke (N.H.).
He is survived by his loving companion, Mary Westcott (Acton, Ma.). He was predeceased by son in law, Dennis Burke and granddaughter, Allison Burke, and brothers Joseph M. Hickey, Herbert A. Hickey, Paul F. Hickey, and Charles V. Hickey. He is survived by seven great grandchildren Sydney, Reed, Sam, Madison, Emelia, Conor and Jackson and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass will be held at St Mary’s in Melrose at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George Hickey’s memory to Mystic Valley Elder Service, Development office, 300 Commercial St., #19, Malden, MA 02148 or online donation at www.mves.org
Arrangements by the Gately Funeral Home, Melrose. To sign online condolence, visit www.gatelyfh.com 
