It is with profound sadness that we say farewell to Jon H. Hickey, who passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, at the age of 88. Jon, a resident of North Massapequa, New York, was not only a legendary arborist but also a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor and friend. His life was a testament to passion, integrity and a genuine love for trees and people.

Jon Hickey, left, with the late William Heim, a 42-year Davey Tree Expert Company veteran, in the museum Hickey donated to and helped build at TCI EXPO 2013 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of TCIA’s founding. TCIA file photo.

Jon is survived by his wife of 67 years, Pat, and his six children, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Born in 1937, Jon’s fascination with plants and trees began early. He attended SUNY Farmingdale, earning an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Ornamental Horticulture in 1958. His career in arboriculture began as a tree climber with the Burst Tree Company, where he quickly gained a reputation for his skill and dedication. Over the years, he worked as a foreman at John P. Kean Nurseries and eventually started his own business, Jon H. Hickey Tree Service, where he provided expert tree care and built a reputation for honesty and excellence.

In 1973, Jon joined Parr & Hanson, Arborists, now a division of Davey Tree Expert Company, in Hicksville, N.Y. His leadership skills shone brightly there, and he rose to become general manager, overseeing all operations with a steady hand and a caring heart. Later, he moved on to Lehman Plant Care, where he continued to leave a mark. As general manager and senior arborist, Jon was instrumental in elevating the company’s standards and reputation. His mentorship and leadership fostered a culture of professionalism and kindness, qualities he exemplified every day.

Jon’s dedication to continuous learning was relentless. He attended every seminar and meeting he could find, always eager to expand his knowledge and improve his craft. His commitment to excellence earned him numerous honors, including Arbor Age magazine’s “Arborist of the Year” award in 1994, a recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field, and the Tree Care Industry Association’s Award of Merit in 2020, honoring his lifelong dedication and impact.

He was among the first ISA Certified Arborists earning that credential in 1979, holding his certification with the number NY0005, one of the earliest in the country. He later became a Board Certified Master Arborist, a Registered Consulting Arborist and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified, continually pushing the boundaries of his expertise.

Jon’s impressive résumé also includes leadership roles, such as president of the Long Island Arboricultural Association (1971-72), president of the New York State ISA Chapter (1980) and member of the ISA Board of Directors (1984-1993).

Jon Hickey, shown here building a display, donated many items from his own collection of antique tree equipment for a museum at TCI EXPO 2013 celebrating TCIA’s 75th anniversary. TCIA file photo.

Beyond titles and awards, what truly defined Jon was his unwavering integrity and his genuine care for others. He always had time to mentor other arborists. Jon would always make himself available to answer questions about insects, diseases, regulations, employee issues and business. He believed in doing what was right, calling a rival company to inform them of a job seeker or ensuring transparency when a client wanted to switch companies. His honesty earned him lifelong loyalty from clients and colleagues alike.

His colleagues at Lehman Plant Care loved working for him. They admired his fairness, his straightforwardness and the way he made work fun. Jon shared his vast knowledge generously, always eager to teach, encourage and lift those around him. His office was a place of laughter and learning, a reflection of his vibrant personality.

Jon Hickey was a pioneer, a mentor and a true genius of arboriculture. His legacy is rooted in his expertise, his ethical standards and the love he poured into everything he did. Those who knew him carry memories of his humor, wisdom and kindness, an enduring gift that will continue to inspire.

We will miss him dearly, but his spirit will forever stand tall in the trees he loved and in the hearts of all he touched.
Rest in peace, Jon. Your legacy will live on forever.