John Hicks 'left Warwick a better place'

Lucky is the person who forges a special bond of friendship that only grows stronger as the years march on.

I was one of the lucky ones when early in my adult life my wife insisted we have dinner with John and Judy Hicks.

As a teenager I had often waited on John Hicks when he stopped into the old Larry’s Deli on South Street, I admired his cocky and self-assured attitude.

As we continued to socialize with John, our friendship deepened and my admiration grew.

John was a man guided by his principles and driven by a desire to make his community a better place.

His lifelong devotion to politics is well documented. Those who worked with him over the years, Republicans and Democrats alike either loved him or hated him, but everyone respected him for his honesty and integrity.

What set him apart in politics, however, was that it was never about advancing himself, but rather using whatever position he held to improve our town and county. He loved his country and its ideals of freedom, liberty and prosperity for all.

As a town councilman, Warwick Jaycee, local attorney, O. C. Republican chairman, volunteer and town attorney, John touched many lives in a positive way.

John was my friend, my mentor, my advisor and my inspiration. He has left Warwick a better place and I will miss him.

RIP, my friend.
Michael Sweeton
Warwick