Eugene N. Hickey, age 87, passed away on January 6, 2019. He was born on July 1, 1931 to the late Bessie and Joseph Hickey in Toledo, Ohio.

Gene grew up in Toledo where he attended OLPH elementary school. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1949. An All City basketball player, Gene helped lead the 1948-49 Central Catholic team to the state tournament finals. Although they lost, he was named Outstanding Player in the tournament. He would later be inducted into the Central Catholic Hall of Fame. He played for the Dayton Flyers Basketball Team that finished second in the 1951 NIT Tournament in Madison Square Garden. Gene went on to play professionally with the Toledo Jeeps and also shadowed the Harlem Globe-Trotters. He attended college with legendary NFL Coach, Chuck Noll and consequently was a life-long Pittsburgh Steelers fan beginning with Noll’s hiring.
Gene and his former wife, Sherry, were known for throwing epic parties that were attended by a wide range of characters from Toledo’s political, sports and blue-collar scenes that loved to laugh and have fun.

Gene lived in Fort Myers, Florida for 20 years after retiring from Mine Safety Appliances. He spent the last couple years in Toledo where he truly enjoyed being around his children, who saw that special time as a great blessing. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff from Hospice of Northwest Ohio, for their compassionate care. They are very grateful for their cousin, Dr. Don Hickey for his years of “magnificent” devotion to his uncle’s care.

He is survived by the mother of his children, Sherry Hickey; his children, Kevin (Marie), Tim (Laura), Terry (Karen), Sharon (Bill) Kozek, Patrick (Sue); grandchildren, John, Joe, Joe, Abby (Casey), Alex, Erin, Tara, Ellen, Sarah (Noah), Nathan, Dylan, Jahlil, Jamarie, Ricardo, Luke, Sam, Noah and Abby; great-grandchildren, Jonah, Ryan, Ellie and Ava. Gene was preceded in death by his daughter, Jeanne, his brothers, Bud, Don and Bernie, his sister Mary Jane Carens and his girlfriend, Robin.

The family will receive guests on Friday, January 11, 2019 from 3-8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo (419-381-1900). A Vigil Service will begin at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, 2255 Central Grove, Toledo. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery.

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