Richard F. Hickman
February 7, 1938 - April 6, 2024
Richard F. Hickman, age 86, of Delaware City, DE, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
Richard – also lovingly known as Hoppy, Dick and Dickie – was born in Wilmington, DE to the late Miriam (Craig) and Frank Forrest Hickman on February 7, 1938. He was a proud 1957 graduate of Mount Pleasant High School. Richard attended Drexel University and Goldey Beacom College. He married his beloved wife, Carol H. Homan on February 18, 1961 and in their 44 years of marriage they raised 3 children, Elizabeth, Richard Jr. and Holly. Along with business partners, Richard owned and operated several Soft Touch Car Washes in New Castle, Delaware and Salisbury, Maryland over 5 decades. He was an auto mechanic throughout his career. Early in his career, for 3 consecutive years, 1967, 1968 and 1969, Richard and his teammate Dick Collins, were Pro-Stock Racing Champions.
Richard was a skilled mechanic and could fix anything. If you needed a tool, he probably had it, would deliver it and teach you how to use it! He took pride in teaching his children and grandchildren necessary skills including car maintenance, home maintenance, gardening and fishing. Richard had many interests throughout his life. He was a cowboy at heart and loved old westerns. Richard never missed an opportunity to learn a new hobby including Enduro Racing, deep sea fishing, golf and pool. Deep sea fishing was a passion of his for many years; in 1978 he boated a White Marlin and during a short time even owned part interest in a charter boat. In 1992 he shot a hole in one at Rock Manor Golf Links.
Richard’s generous spirit and hospitality were felt by many. He would open his home and give the shirt off his back to those who were in need. Richard had a great sense of humor and enjoyed a great conversation.
In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Hickman; his son, Richard F. Hickman Jr.; and his grandson, David Hickman Proffitt. Richard will be dearly missed by his daughters and sons-in-law, Elizabeth and Frank Julian and Holly and David Proffitt. He is survived by 9 grandchildren, Thomas (Chelsea), Marissa (Jered), Megan (Brandon), Julia, Hunter, Ashley, Alexa (Jalen), Emily (Matthew) and Madison; and 4 great grandchildren, Dillon, Keeley, Gianna and Sophia.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:30 am until 11:30 am on Friday, April 12, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11:30 am. Interment will follow in St. Georges Cemetery, Kirkwood-St. Georges Road, St. Georges, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s memory to Tunnels to Towers, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or online by clicking here or to Nemours Children’s Hospital, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803 or online by clicking here.
Linda Taylor Coe
Beth and Holly, I was so saddened to hear of you Dad’s passing. He was everything that was said and so much more. Please know I have thought of him often over the years. He now is reunited with your Mom and are dancing together again. He was always one of the good guys. My sincere condolences. Love, Linda Taylor Coe
Ripan
Holly,
I’ve known your dad through our day to day conversations . He spent his lifetime staying active and involved in activities he loved to do and instilled the same values in his children and grandkids. Losing a parent leaves an irreparable void. Our prayers are with you and your family ! God, rest his soul in peace!
Our sympathies ! Ripan & Jagdeep
Kim (Hoepstine) Meadors
Beth and Holly,
Your Dad (Hoppy) was a one of a kind! Always fun loving and the life of the party. Your parents always made me feel welcomed and loved. My sincerest condolences for your loss.
Marian & Bob Czukoski
Holly, we are truly sorry to hear about your father’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family at this time. May he rest in eternal peace. Sincerely with love, Marian and Bob
Joseph Swiski
RIP Hoppy, You made working at Collins Arco more than a job, it was a real adventure. Thank you for your support when my father passed away in 1974.
Edward Ridgik
I had the great privilege of working with Hoppy at Dick Collin’s Penn Jersey when I was in College. Hoppy was so funny, he would keep us laughing all day long while he taught us both how to deal with
each other, cars, and customers. He always had nice things to say to our much varied customers. I often think of him. He, along with the Collin’s family were more like family to me than employers. He was a great man, that I’ll always respect.
Tracie Sheehan
Holly, what a beautiful tribute. I’m so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Diana Shaw
Holly,
I am sorry for your loss. Looks like your father had a full and successful life. I hope his passing was a peaceful one.
Love to you and your family.
Diana Shaw