Obituary of Ernest E Hicks

Ernest Hicks, 57, of the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township, died at home of natural causes on May 2, 2017. He was born in Morristown. He graduated from Ridge High School in 1978 where he was vice president of the Student Advisory Council, a member of the Curriculum Council, and in 1977 and 1978, manager of the football team. In 1982, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business from Penn State University where he was a member and treasurer of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity. While at Penn State, he managed 3 campus theaters, the Computer Date Match Program, and interterm buses during holidays and school breaks. He was devoted to his alma mater, and he never missed an opportunity to talk about Penn State or the football team. Ernie was employed as an Underwriting Specialist at American International Group (AIG) in the greater New York City area. He has been with AIG for 21 years, starting in August 1996. He dedicated his heart and soul to his work at AIG and worked on some of the largest and most complex accounts. He took great pride in his work and truly cared about helping others even if that meant sacrificing his time to properly train/mentor a fellow worker. He loved every aspect of his work: the company, his colleagues, and his brokers. What was so unique was that not only did he have a great relationship with his brokers, but he had an equally great relationship with his clients and often had direct contact with them which is rare for an underwriter. He was loved and respected by all of his colleagues. Ernie was a loving son and brother. He was an Eagle Scout and in 1973, he travelled to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico for a backpacking adventure with his father. He was also an active member of the Alumni Association at Penn State. In addition, he was a voracious reader and loved music, chess, monopoly, and ping-pong. Chess matches and monopoly games with his sisters could last for days. He cared for his elderly parents, allowing them to age gracefully in their home. His compassion, kindness, courage, and love live on in all those who knew him. He was loved deeply and is greatly missed. He was a member of St. James Church in Basking Ridge. Survivors include his beloved father, Ernest C. Hicks, two sisters, Dr. Karen A. Hicks of Silver Spring, MD, and Mary C. Castiglia of Pattersonville, NY, his brother-in-law, Walter F. Castiglia, and nephew, Cody F. Castiglia of Troy, NY. Ernie was predeceased by his mother, Irene Hicks, on March 6, 2014. Friends and family are invited to gather from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 12, at the Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Ave. in Basking Ridge. A Mass of the Resurrection will be offered at 11 a.m. Friday, May 12, at St. James Church, 184 S. Finley Ave. in Basking Ridge, followed by interment at Somerset Hills Memorial Park, 95 Mount Airy Road in Basking Ridge. In lieu of flowers, contributions in the name of Ernest E. Hicks may be made to Penn State University, The Pennsylvania State University, 1 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802 or online at the following link under the selection "Give to Where It's Needed Most:" http://giveto.psu.edu/s/1218/2014/index.aspx?sid=1218&gid=1&pgid=298