Obituary of Frederick Walter Tickey

Frederick Walter Tickey, age 82, of Stratford, beloved husband of Catherine Berky Tickey, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Bridgeport on August 13, 1931, he was a son of the late Robert Sr., and Gertrude Spray Tickey. Fred was a graduate of Warren Harding High School Class of 1951 and attended the University of Bridgeport. Before his retirement in 1994, he was a systems analyst in the personnel department at Sikorsky Aircraft, with 39 years of dedicated service. He also was formerly employed at the Credit Bureau for the City of Bridgeport. A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, Fred rose to the rank of Sergeant. He worked as Chief Clerk for Major General William P. Ennis, in the Office Chief Army Field Forces. While assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, he saw a live atom bomb test at Frenchman's Flat in Nevada. He and his wife Catherine "Sissy", were married September 4, 1954 and had been boyfriend and girlfriend since 1946, when they were 15 and 13 years old, and have lived life happily together ever since. Fred was a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. James Council 2370 in Stratford. A very active parishioner at Our Lady of Grace Church, Stratford, he was head usher at their Saturday 4 pm Mass, a major contributor to the building of the school and the 25th Anniversary renovations, was past president of the Home School Association, past secretary of the Sports Guild, past director of the Girl's Softball & Basketball Teams, past director of the drama Club and past member of the Men's Club. He was also a member of AARP and the Sikorsky Retirees Friendship Club. He treasured life with his wife and family and always made them laugh! He enjoyed trips to the casinos and went on numerous vacations and cruises with them. His family stood by his bedside day and night comforting him during his final days. The family would like to thank Chaifetz Family Hospice for their great staff, especially Sheila, who delivered the tenderest care. They would also like to thank Hospice nurse, Theresa, and social worker Jessica, for their professional and compassionate guidance in this most difficult time. His wife, Catherine would also like to thank Barbara Duncan from the VA Hospital for treating Fred and also guiding and supporting her during his illness. In addition to his beloved wife of 59 years, Sissy, survivors include, three loving daughters, Deborah Kozinn and her husband Dr. Edward Kozinn, Donna Munzer and Susan Cyr and her husband Roland, all of Trumbull, eight cherished grandchildren; Rachel Munzer, Sara Alterio, Michael Alterio, Talia Munzer, Ashley Cyr, Jake Cyr, Gina Alterio and Emma Kozinn; two brothers, Raymond DeZenzo and his wife Katherine of Milford and Albert DeZenzo of Cape Coral, FL, a sister, Diane DeZenzo of Cape Coral, FL; brother-in-law, Dr. Michael Berky and his wife Patricia of Milford, sister-in-law, Lynn Berky of Trumbull, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his step father, Anthony DeZenzo, a brother, Robert Tickey Jr. and a sister, Norma Pastor. Funeral services will take place on Monday, July 14, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, and at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Church, Stratford, for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment with military honors will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Monroe. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Sunday from 1-5 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Harding High School Women's Athletics c/o Harding High School 1734 Central Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610. For more information or to leave an online condolence, visit us at www.abriola.com.