In Memoriam
Dennis G. “Denny” Hickman
The Penn-York Lumbermen’s Club recently reported that Dennis G. “Denny” Hickman, 65, of Emlenton, PA, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior while in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family early Thursday, November 27, 2025, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Though his time on earth feels far too short, Denny lived a life overflowing with family, faith, purpose, and adventure — one marked by hard work, deep love and the joy of God’s creation.
Born on September 14, 1960, in Oil City, Dennis was the son of Larry and Gayle Ritts Hickman. He graduated from Cranberry High School in 1978, where he wrestled, played baseball and was part of the National Championship Marine Corps Physical Fitness team. He later attended Penn State Behrend.
On October 30, 1982, Denny married the love of his life, Jane Barber, at the Good Hope Lutheran Church in Oil City. He was the proud father and father-in-law of four children and their spouses, Jake and Kendall Hickman, of Emlenton, Jessica and Joshua Fresch, of Pittsburgh, Annie and Dustin Swartfager, of Knox, and newly married, Melissa and Keith Hughes, of Pittsburgh. Denny adored his grandchildren — Eli, Henry, and Derek Hickman, Eleanore and Presley Fresch, Bryce, Owen, Tucker, Garrett and sweet baby Andrew Swartfager, who preceded him into heaven.
A third-generation steward of the family business, Denny devoted his life to the lumber and hardwood industry. A 1980 graduate of National Hardwood Lumber Association in Memphis, TN, he returned home to Hickman Lumber and helped expand the company through hard work, innovation and an unwavering commitment to quality.
He established the company’s dry kilns and served the industry in leadership roles, being on the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association Board (2006–2012) and the Allegheny Hardwoods Utilization Group Board (2000–present). He was also a long-time member of the National Wood Flooring Association. In 2000, guided by a vision to honor the beauty of the region’s timber, Denny founded Allegheny Mountain Hardwood Flooring
Condolences may be sent by visiting hilefh.com.
In honor of Denny’s deep love for the outdoors, his commitment to responsible resource stewardship, and his generations-long dedication to the family lumber business, memorial contributions may be made to the Denny Hickman — Get Outside and Do Stuff Memorial Scholarship Fund.
This fund will provide financial assistance to students from Venango and Clarion Counties pursuing post-secondary education in timber harvesting, forestry, and forest management, ensuring his legacy of practical, outdoor professionalism endures.
To make a contribution, please visit bbcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list or mail to Bridge Builders Community Foundation, Denny Hickman Scholarship Fund, 1322 Elk St., Franklin, PA, 16323.
Also, donations made to the Boys and Girls Club Along the Allegheny, PO Box 2, Emlenton, PA, 16373 or The Emlenton Fire Department, PO Box 371, Emlenton, PA, 16373.
