On September 26, 2026, Paul Hicks passed away at home after a long battle against Parkinson's disease, which he met with strength and determination for over a decade. Born November 1947 in Rutherford, NJ, to Ruth and Ted Hicks, he had the first glimpse of his true love, Janet Romme, who lived next door. His family moved to the Cape while he was still a young child, giving him the chance to develop his love for the water. While growing up in Eastham with his brothers, Bruce and Neal, his free time was spent surfing, fishing, clamming, boating, and enjoying all the natural wonders of the Cape.

His journey on the water continued after a short stint at the University of Miami when he enlisted in the Navy, rather than wait to be drafted, figuring it would be harder to be shot at on a boat than on land. Though he couldn't have known it then, his service exposed him to Agent Orange, which decades later led to his Parkinson's disease. What he did know was that he wanted Janet by his side and proposed before his last tour in the Pacific. They were married shortly after he returned.

Paul and Janet's 51 years of loving marriage and partnership started in Costa Mesa, CA, and then Westport, MA, before they decided to return to the Cape, his hometown, where Janet's family had vacationed and where both of their families now lived. Paul started working at the Brewster Water Department when there wasn't much of a department, and he had an opportunity to learn so much. His great work ethic, personality, and joy in digging dirt led him to professional success and eventually to running the department as Superintendent, which he did successfully for more than 25 years.

During this time they grew their family by adding a son, Andrew, in 1979. If Paul wasn't at work he was with his family. Together they traveled in many different types of RVs to many different places building lifelong memories. He also made sure to be there and be a part of all the sports games, camping, skiing, kayaking, hiking, Boy Scouts, school projects, harebrained ideas, and figuring out how to make it work for his son.

Those rare times he wasn't with family he tried to give back to his community. The Brewster Historical Society in particular (because he could do it with his love Janet), Conservation Days, and local non-profits. He also enjoyed helping through fundraising walks and bike rides for MS, cancer, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's groups.

He was a man that could do many things and made an impact on many people.

Paul was predeceased by his beloved wife, Janet, in 2022, and he missed her every day. He is survived by his son, Andrew, and his brothers, Bruce (Beth) and Neal. He will be deeply missed by so many and especially his son, Andrew, who cared for him over the last six years and saw how strong and graceful he remained through his hardest days. May his hardest days be behind him, and peace be with him. Fair Winds and Following Seas, Dad. My best friend, my father, my hero.

A memorial service to honor the lives of both Paul and Janet will be held on October 23 at 11:30 a.m. at the Brewster Baptist Church, 1848 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the American Parkinson Disease Association.