WESTFORD/CHELMSFORD – Ralph B. Hickey, son of the late Ralph Joseph and Mary Ellen Hickey of Boston, MA passed away on Saturday July 29, 2017 at his home, after a long period of ill health. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Renison.

Ralph was born and raised on Mission Hill, Boston and graduated from St. Columbkille’s High School in 1943 where he was a three-letter varsity player in basketball, baseball and football. He was a WWII Veteran in US Navy serving first in Key West, followed by a stint at the Naval Air Station, Blimp Base in South Weymouth, flying Blimps in a hunt for German Submarines off the east coast; then in Portland, ME where he was the personal Yeoman for Admiral Beaty, Commander-in-Chief of the Navy for the entire Atlantic Fleet during the war.

A mason by trade working in Boston, he assisted in the construction of many buildings including the original John Hancock building and Children’s Hospital. Rising through the ranks, he became a supervisor when he was felled by a serious industrial accident, almost losing his legs. This disabling event led him to a change of career, championing for those who experience disabilities. With determination, he rose from a wheelchair to crutches and then on to a cane. While still in his wheelchair, he volunteered for Mass Rehab, then went to Northeast Rehab in Lawrence where he volunteered and managed 75 patients needs. There he hosted a local cable television program spotlighting the disabled.

The American’s Disability Act (“ADA”) came into effect in 1990, requiring state and local entities to designate an ADA Coordinator to oversee and coordinate ADA compliance. Recognizing Ralph’s tireless efforts, Boston’s Massachusetts Office on Disabilities employed him as a State consultant inspecting businesses to insure ADA compliance and was delegated by the Attorney General for matters of diplomatic cooperation in these efforts. He led training programs, made recommendations for business adherence and provided legal advice on all matters of ADA law for both public and businesses.

By the early 1990’s he became Chelmsford’s first ADA coordinator, a post he held for the next 23 years. He worked for the Massachusetts Office on Disabilities until his retirement in 2003. During which he volunteered helping the veterans at New England Rehab and volunteered at The Chelmsford Senior Center, as the woodworking instructor. Additionally he was on the Board if Directors of the Paul Center for Learning and Recreation. During their renovations, Ralph worked with both the Adams and McKay Libraries and was active in Habitat for Humanity of Lowell, both in building and on the Board. For the 350th anniversary for the Town of Chelmsford, he and Roland Boisvert built the 1st prize winning library float in the parade. He and his wife Barbara ran a donation truck involving the entire town for the Katrina disaster that was sent down to the devastated area for relief. He was a Chelmsford Town Meeting member, a Chelmsford Town Representative, a Friend of the Chelmsford Library and a Board Member for Paul Center. He was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus and was elevated to the status of Grand Knight twice.

He freely donated his time and efforts to townspeople needing assistance over the years, whether it was for a handicap ramp, providing meals on wheels over the holidays when there were no deliveries, or helping the disabled get emergency aid. He contributed to tuition assistance for youths and annual seasonal clothing drives for homeless and disabled vets until his failing health didn’t permit it.

He officially retired as ADA Coordinator at 90 years old, with the Board of Selectmen honoring him with a proclamation and a plaque, with those attending, giving him a standing ovation.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Renison, his brother Robert Hickey, his two sons Thomas Hickey and R. James Hickey and their families and his step daughters Mary Anne Pellegrini and Susan E. Renison, plus many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews and nieces and many loving friends. He was pre-deceased by his first wife Doris (Lapham), his two sisters Mary (Francis) Pyle and Helen “June” Lombardi and his brother Walter.

Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Thursday, August 3rd from 3:00-7:00pm in the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen Street, Chelmsford.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 4th at 11:00am in St. Mary Church 25 North Road Chelmsford.

KINDLY MEET AT CHURCH.

Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, 104 Concord Road, Acton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans in honor of Ralph Hickey, (checks to be made out to DAV) to be forwarded to the Disabled Veterans by the family at the conclusion of services.