Andover - Paul Hickman, 81, of Andover, MA passed away peacefully on September 23, 2023, after a short battle with lung cancer.

Paul was born in Flushing, New York on May 29, 1942, to Herman Charles Hickman and Eleanor (Smigelski) Hickman and grew up in Glendale, New York. He graduated in 1959 from Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, in 1963 from Manhattan College with a B.S. in physics and mathematics, and in 1978 from Long Island University with an M.S. in physics and education.

Paul began his career in engineering, working on the construction of NASA's lunar module at Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation. He left engineering to teach physics, first at Cold Spring Harbor High School on Long Island and then at Belmont High School in Belmont, MA before becoming Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Science and Math Education at Northeastern University.

Paul's work as a science educator went far beyond the classroom. Trained as a Physics Teaching Resource Agent (PTRA), he developed pre-college science curriculum, served on several national science education boards and committees, and conducted workshops for teachers around the world. His work earned him numerous awards, including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching.

In 1987, Paul attended a talk by a young physics teacher from Andover named Jennifer Bond, who would later become his wife. For the next 20 years the couple worked together to develop physics curriculum and train teachers. In 2009 they began their own business, Kittredge Candles, selling fragranced items at local farmers markets and craft shows.

Paul enjoyed staying connected to his former students, colleagues, and family on Facebook. He loved a good game of golf, cheered for the Red Sox even though he was a New Yorker, enjoyed singing barbershop with his brothers, adored his daughter and granddaughter, appreciated all wildlife, and couldn't wait to put the top down his Buick Cascada convertible, as soon as the weather was warm.

Paul is survived by his wife of 34 years, Jennifer Bond Hickman of Andover, MA, his daughter Kristen Hufford of Spotsylvania, VA, his brother Gerard Hickman (Kathy) of Attleboro, MA, his sister Frances Hickman of Newtown, CT, his brother Peter Hickman (Marjorie) of Arlington, VA, several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his cats. He is predeceased by his parents and his granddaughter, Margaret Hanover.

Memorial service will be held on a later date. Donations in Paul's memory may be made to the American Association of Physics Teachers PTRA Continuation Fund, 1 Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740 or to Lawrence General Hospital, Attn: Development Office, 1 General Street, P.O. Box 189, Lawrence, MA 01842. For guestbook and more detailed tribute, visit www.driscollcares.com.