Richard F. Hickman

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.

Richard F. Hickman

February 7, 1938 - April 6, 2024