Kathleen Hickey Arecchi

Kathleen Arecchi of Hebron, NH, passed away Friday, February 5, at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center after living with breast cancer for ten years

She was born in Hartford, CT, where she attended Hartford public schools and graduated from St. Joseph College. She was also an alumna of the Eastman School of Music and of the University of Maryland. For the last 35 years, she has been on the faculty of Plymouth State University, teaching voice in the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance. While she was active as a soprano soloist, Kathleen performed in numerous musical theatre, operetta, oratorio, and opera productions in CA, CT, MA, MD, NH, and NY. At Plymouth State, in addition to teaching, she served three years as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and another three years as the Director of the Silver Cultural Arts Center. She received the Plymouth State University Distinguished Teacher Award for 2012. She loved working with, teaching, and guiding young people. Her students have received awards in singing competitions, both classical and musical theatre, and have been accepted into prestigious graduate music programs. Many are enjoying success as professional singers in regional companies, on national tours, in New York, and on major cruise lines.

Kathleen was the daughter of Michael Hickey and Catherine Conroy Hickey. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Angelo, her daughter, Kate Arecchi of Harrisonburg, VA, a brother Michael Hickey of East Falmouth, MA, and a brother Peter Hickey of Glastonbury, CT, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to the Kathleen Arecchi Memorial Scholarship at Plymouth State University, University Advancement, 17 High Street, MSC 02, Plymouth, NH 03264 in care of Vice President Paula Lee Hobson.