Derek R. Hickling, of Newtown, died on December 29, 2014, at St. Mary Medical Center. He was 83.

       He was the beloved husband of 57 years to Tamae “Tami” Kuratomi Hickling.

       Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Rowland and Camilla Painter Hickling and brother of the late Barbara O'Conner and Maisie Stark.

       Derek was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, where he served as a Staff Sergeant in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in November of 1956. Derek enjoyed aviation and throughout his life he held a private pilot’s license. He was a true handy man and was able to fix anything that was broken. Derek enjoyed spending time in the theater, where he acted in several mini-series in Japan and community theaters in the United States. Derek had a deep passion for all animals, especially dogs and birds, although his true love in life was his family.

       In addition to his loving wife, Derek is survived by his children, Leslie Zoto of Richboro, and Ronald and his wife Mary Hickling of Newbury Park, CA. He is the brother of Patricia and Robert Reed of Williamstown, NJ. He is also survived by his 3 grandchildren, Alyssa and Quintin Zoto, and Nathan Hickling.

       Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing, Tuesday, January 6, 2015 from 10:30am until his Burial Office 11:30am at Redemption Episcopal Church, 1101 Second Street Pike, Southampton, PA 18966. His interment will follow in the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown.

       In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 5455 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43214, or to the Bucks County SPCA, PO Box 277, Lahaska, PA 18931.