Edward F. Hickey Jr.

A Man For All Seasons – Ed was born in Darien, Connecticut, April 15, 1927, son of Edward F. Hickey, Sr., and Lucille Handyside, traveling to St. Petersburg, Florida to attend the Florida Military Academy, joining the Army soon after graduation then spending time overseas during WWII and returned to St. Petersburg after recovering from injuries he received during his tour of duty.

Ed started his beach career by teaching swim lessons and started a water ski school. Ed made visits to his residents in Connecticut; both Darien and Danbury where his father, Edward F. Hickey, Sr. was involved in the hat industry, as so many were in those days. He kept in contact with many members of the Jowdy family throughout the years. While in Danbury, the idea came to him to start the first “car hop” located in New Milford, CT called “The Curb”. Live radio broadcasts on WLAD were the high point of the area while interviewing local patrons and celebrities.

He established Ed’s Beach Service in 1948 offering beach chairs and umbrellas to resorts, city parks, and private clubs from San Juan, to San Diego. He gave many young people the opportunity to earn a living and enter the world of business, with wise guidance from Ed. Ed arrived in Panama City Beach in 1952 and was welcomed by Mr. J.E. Churchwell to operate as a concessioner behind Long Beach Resort. Ed’s Beach Service offered qualified lifeguards and chair set-ups. Expanding his interests, he offered Panama Jack products and beachwear. His talents took him to be the Assistant Manager of the Tides Hotel in Redington Beach, FL.

Ed was an active investor in the growth of the 1980’s purchasing condominiums and properties. He established Ed’s Sheds as one of the first facilities of this type on Panama City Beach. Ed loved traveling by car and taking cruises.

He looked forward to attending the Kentucky Derby each year and his memorable driving trip to New England visiting old friends and his sister, Vickey Hickey. Ed looked forward to seeing Queen of the Clergy and visiting the priest residents.

Ed was predeceased by his father, Edward F. Hickey, Sr., his step-mother Emma Vichi Hickey, His sister, Beverly Hickey, and his daughter, Su-Su Hickey. Ed is survived by his lovely companion, Lynn, his son, Edward F. Hickey III, his son, Matthew Gill, his sister, Vickey Hickey of Danbury, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren, and countless employees that thought of Ed as a father figure.

A concelebrated Memorial Mass for Ed’s intention will be celebrated on Monday, April 26, 2021, 11:15 a.m. at Queen of the Clergy, 274 Strawberry Avenue, Stamford, Connecticut 06902. Memorial donations may be made to Queen of the Clergy, 274 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford, Connecticut 06902, Attention: Vickey Hickey

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