Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks of New York announced the death of his father, Ronald Joseph (Ronald J.) Hicks, who passed away on October 14, 2026, at the age of 87.
In a statement released the following day, Archbishop Hicks wrote: “Please keep my mother, Roselee, my brother, Richard, and the entire Hicks family in your prayers upon the death of my father, Ronald J. Hicks, who died on October 14, 2026, at the age of 87. My dad was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and educator. As a lifelong, faithful Catholic, he would be delighted that you pray for his intention and his family.” He closed by commending his father to God’s mercy and offering the traditional prayer for the dead.
A Life of Faith, Family, and Teaching
Ronald Joseph Hicks was born on September 16, 1939. He entered eternal life at Franciscan Village in Lemont, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eldon and Mae Hicks, and his brother, Jerry. He is survived by his wife of more than 61 years, Roselee; their sons, Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks and Richard J. Hicks (Mary Beth); grandchildren Grant (Tiffany), Nolan (Halee), and Justin (Emily); and great-grandchildren Ivy and Hadley.
A lifelong educator, he earned his undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University and a master’s degree from DePaul University. He taught at Thornton and Thornwood High Schools. Colleagues and family remembered him as a natural athlete and runner, an ardent Chicago Cubs fan who enjoyed all sports, and a man of “a gentle heart and a kind disposition.”
His Catholic faith was central throughout his life. He received his sacraments at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish on Chicago’s South Side, raised his family at St. Jude the Apostle Parish in South Holland, and was a longtime devoted member of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Orland Hills. As the family noted, “His faith shaped the way he loved his family, treated others, and lived each day.”
Funeral arrangements included a visitation on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish (9300 W. 167th St., Orland Hills, Illinois), followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. A private interment for the immediate family followed, with U.S. Army military honors.
Condolences from the Church
Church leaders offered prayers and support. The New York State Catholic Conference extended condolences, joining in prayer for Ronald J. Hicks and asking the Lord to comfort Archbishop Hicks and his family. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago, who had previously worked closely with Archbishop Hicks in the Archdiocese of Chicago, expressed sadness at the news and asked for prayers for the repose of Mr. Hicks’ soul and comfort for the family, describing his 87 faith-filled years as a gift to his family, community, and the Church.
Archbishop Hicks, born in 1967 in Harvey, Illinois, to Ronald and Roselee Hicks, previously served as auxiliary bishop of Chicago and as Bishop of Joliet before Pope Leo XIV named him Archbishop of New York in December 2025. He was installed at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in February 2026.
The death of Ronald J. Hicks is a reminder of the quiet, faithful lives that sustain families and the wider Church. As Archbishop Hicks requested, many continue to keep the Hicks family in prayer during this time of loss.
We at Sacerdotu extend our deepest condolences to His Grace Archbishop Ronald Hicks and the Hicks family and assure the of our collective prayers.
Sources:
- Statement from Archbishop Ronald Hicks, The Good Newsroom, October 15, 2026.
- Obituary: Ronald J. Hicks, The Good Newsroom, October 15, 2026.
- Ronald Joseph Hicks Obituary, Thornridge Funeral Home / Legacy.com. Ronald Joseph Hicks Obituary Oct 14, 2026 - Thornridge Funeral Home
- Biography and related coverage from the Archdiocese of New York and contemporaneous reporting.
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