Donald Gardner Hicks Jr., 84, of Leominster, passed away on Tuesday, April 15th, 2025, after a brief illness with his family by his side. He was born in Lowell, MA on December 12, 1940, to Donald G. Hicks and Mary S. (Gillespie) Hicks. He received his education at Lowell High School, Lowell State College, Lowell Commercial College, and the University of Massachusetts. In 1959, he began his banking career at The First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Lowell. He held several positions over the years at various community banks, including Worcester North Savings Bank in Fitchburg, before retiring as President & CEO of Reading Cooperative Bank in 2002.
Active in professional organizations during his career and leadership positions of multiple community organizations, he was a longtime member of Pilgrim Congregational Church of Leominster, serving over the years as Deacon, Trustee, and Treasurer.
He began his Freemasonry journey as a member of Lowell DeMolay. In 1962, he became a Master Mason at Wamesit Lodge in Tewksbury. In addition to holding multiple positions in various affiliated masonic bodies, he served as Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts from 2002 to 2004.
Don was an avid skier for over 60 years, right up until his illness this year. He enjoyed many ski trips with his children, grandchildren, and many other family members and countless friends over the years. He joined the National Ski Patrol in 1973 as a patroller and later served as Wachusett Mountain Patrol Director, EMARI Region Director, and Eastern Division Treasurer. He was awarded National Appointment 7020 for “Demonstrated Qualifications of Ability and Leadership” in 1988 and received the Distinguished Service Award in 1999. He remained an alumni member after retiring from active patrolling.
He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Nancy (Sargent) Hicks; a daughter, Karen and her husband Grant Thorne; a son, Andrew and his wife Patricia (Kane); a grandson, Brandon Thorne and his wife Meredith (Carr); two granddaughters, Emily Thorne and Megan Hicks; a great-grandson, Aiden Thorne; a brother, David and his wife Susan (Penney); and a brother-in-law Paul Sargent and partner Sandra Bogan, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his adopted brother, Arthur Iverson.
A Masonic Service was held at Wamesit Masonic Lodge in Tewksbury on April 22. The funeral service was held at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Leominster on April 24, followed by the burial in Lowell.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Masonic Education & Charity Trust, The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, or Pilgrim Congregational Church Food Pantry in Leominster.
