Eugene Patrick "Gene" Hickey, III, 76

Eugene Patrick "Gene" Hickey, III, age 76, passed away on Friday, March 17, 2023, at the Milford Regional Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on August 31, 1946, he was the son of the late Eugene and Agnes (Pendergast) Hickey. He was raised in Franklin, Massachusetts, where he was a standout athlete on the track at Franklin High School before his graduation. Following graduation, Gene took a position with the New England Telephone Company, working as a lineman.

Gene married his beloved wife, Mary Kilgallon, on November 20, 1976, at Saint Mary's Church in Franklin. Together, the couple made their home in Walpole, Massachusetts, where they raised four sons; Gerard, Eugene, IV, Christopher, and Brendon. Gene maintained his career with the phone company through the buyout by Verizon, eventually working his way up to the position of foreman, before his retirement in 2009. More recently, in November of 2015, Gene and Mary settled into their home in Franklin.

While home was in Massachusetts, Gene and Mary looked forward to many road trips to Florida, enjoying the sunshine and warm weather in Boca Raton. They eventually purchased a home in Kissimmee, to be close to their favorite vacation destination, Disney World. Gene and Mary looked forward to spending time at the Disney Parks and loved sharing the magic with their children and grandchildren, whenever they came to visit. As an avid card player, no vacation was complete without a stop at a local casino, where Gene could try his luck at the poker tables.

A Boston boy at heart, Gene loved following his favorite New England team, usually with a glass of orange soda and bowl of Cheetos at hand, reveling in the wins and reviewing the losses. Sports were not just to be watched, as Gene looked forward to gathering with his teammates to compete in a local softball league. Back at home, Gene enjoyed relaxing with his dog, Roxy, and keeping his family entertained with a well timed joke or funny gesture.

Beloved husband of the late Mary K. (Kilgallon) Hickey.

Loving father of Gerard P. Hickey of Franklin, Eugene P. "Geno" Hickey, IV of Franklin, Christopher P. Hickey of Walpole, and Brendon P. Hickey of Walpole; and father-in-law of Dawn Hickey and Shannon Hickey.

Cherished grandfather of Kyle, Kaden, Eric, Faith, Drew, and Quinn.

Brother of Paul Hickey and his wife, Kathy Reardon, of Medway, Mary Denise Hickey of Milford, and the late Dennis Hickey.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Gene's Life Celebration on Friday, March 24, 2023, from 4 to 7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

At the request of Gene's family, his funeral service and interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gene's name may be made to Journey Forward to benefit Mark Delamere, 5 Shawmut Road, Canton, MA 02021 https://journey-forward.org/