Alfred Jon Hicks

Alfred Jon Hicks, 77, a resident of Springfield, MA died March 26, 2022 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born and educated in Springfield, a son of Alfred C. and Marion (Sharon) Hicks.

Al worked as a private contractor under Al Hicks and Son Trucking for Lane Construction in Westfield from 1967-1973 where he then became an employee of Lane Construction until his retirement in 2006, after 40 years of dedicated service.

All that knew Al will remember him for his witty and sarcastic sense of humor and that beneath it all was a kind, caring, loving man who would go out of his way to help anyone who needed it. He was also a proud man-proud of his achievements and so very proud of his children and grandchildren.

Al was an avid Red Sox fan but his true passion was cars. From a very young age, Al was a “car guy”. From working side by side with his father at the family car lot to buying and fixing classic cars in his later years. Through the years, Al built and owned strictly stock cars that raced at the former Riverside Park Speedway, earning him championships in both 1996 and 1997.  During race season, you could find Al with a beer in hand, surrounded by family and friends enjoying this lifelong passion.  After retirement, Al could either be found at “the garage” working on old cars he bought or fixing lawn mowers and snow blowers. Al also loved working in his yard, creating a beautiful and tranquil property, which everyone enjoyed and admired. In addition, let’s not forget the yearly vegetable garden that was open to friends and family to pick from.

Al spent his younger years at Horse Neck Beach in Westport, MA with his family and spent the last 35 years enjoying the beauty of Wells Beach Maine with his wife and best friend Tana, where he spent his days fishing on the bay.

Al is survived by his devoted wife and best friends of 42 years, Tana McCormack and leaves 6 children; Tammie-Jo Hicks of Wrentham, Cheri Hicks of Springfield, Wendy Calabrese and her husband Michael of North Reading, Aaron Hicks and his girlfriend Eddie Pomeroy of Springfield, Kristen Murray and her husband George of East Longmeadow, and Mark Paskowsky and his wife Sez Ho of Almeida, CA; 16 grandchildren, Craig, Ashley, Zachery, Danielle, Angela, Chelsey, Jonathan, Alyssa, Maria, Alex, Tyler, Darron, Dimitri, Emma, Brenna, & Cameron: 16 great-grandchildren, three sisters: Sharon Haluch and her husband Edward of Hampden, Carole Smart of Hampden, and Gloria Dilaurezio of Lake Worth, FL; as well as many nieces, nephews, and his beloved cat Charlie.

Besides his parents, Al was predeceased by his son, Jonathan in 1966; his brother-in-law’s, Richard Smart and John Dilaurenzio; and his first wife and mother of his children, Cheryl Joy (Beeman) Hicks in 1989. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Compassus Hospice Care for all their help in Al’s courageous battle with cancer. His funeral will be held on Thursday, March 31st at 11:00 AM at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, with burial to follow at Hillcrest Park Cemetery, 895 Parker Street, both in Springfield. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, March 30th from 4-7 PM.

Contributions in Al’s name may be directed to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. For more information, please visit us at www.byronkeenan.com