Thomas Francis Hickey (bishop)
Thomas Francis Hickey served as the second Roman Catholic Bishop of Rochester, New York.Biography
Hickey was born in Rochester, New York, and studied at St. John's Seminary, Fordham, and at St. Joseph's Seminary, Troy. He was ordained to the priesthood on March 25, 1884. On February 18, 1905, he was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Rochester and Titular Bishop of Berenice by Pope Pius X. He received his episcopal consecration on the following May 24 from Cardinal John Murphy Farley, with Bishops Bernard John McQuaid and Patrick Anthony Ludden serving as co-consecrators.
Upon the death of Bishop McQuaid, Hickey succeeded him as Bishop of Rochester on January 18, 1909. During his tenure he was a strong advocate of Catholic education, and established a catechetical program for Catholic children enrolled in public schools. He supported the apostolate to deaf persons, pioneered the work of Catholic Charities within the diocese, and helped the bishops of New York State to establish an office to communicate with the state legislature about Catholic concerns. After 19 years as Bishop of Rochester, he resigned on October 30, 1928; he was appointed Titular Archbishop of Viminacium on the same date.
Hickey later died at age 79.
