Robert R. Hickey 1931-2024

He was born Nov. 28, 1931, in Salem, the son of the late Leo R. and Thelma Hickey.

A 1950 graduate of Salem High School, Bob served in the U.S. Army and was a proud Korean War veteran, always displaying this by wearing his Korean War veteran hat. He was a recipient of four Army medals during his time serving in the Army.

When Bob returned from Korea, he joined his father in the family business, at the time a single-man furnace business. In 1954, Bob and his first wife, Nancy, took over the business when Bob’s father passed away. As the years progressed, the business grew and transitioned into roofing, then to metal fabricating, with the addition of his son, Leo, late daughter, Lois, and her husband, Robert “Nick” Peters. Bob was very proud of where the business had progressed after his retirement in 2012, and the addition of his three grandsons, Nicholas, Benjamin and Adam. Bringing the business to the fourth generation was a proud moment for him.

Bob was a member of St Paul’s Boy Scout Troop 6, one of the oldest members of the Salem Elks BPOE 305 for 72 years and a lifetime member of Roofers Local 88. Bob was recognized by the Salem Alumni Association as alumnus of the year in 2016; he was very honored to be recognized.

He loved traveling, working on his cars, working in the yard and wood, and spending his winters in Florida.

For everyone who knew Bob, he was a hardworking man. The work ethic of the whole Hickey family was instilled from Bob. Bob was caring and wanted the best for his employees and community. He always found a way to help and touched the lives of many of his employees.

He is survived by his loving and caring second wife, Karen; a son, Leo (Suzanne) Hickey; and a son-in-law, Robert “Nick” Peters; grandchildren, Nicholas (Chelsea) Peters, Benjamin Peters and fiancee, Taylor Stevens, Adam (Caitlin) Hickey and Noelle Pecora; great-grandchildren, Ronan Hickey, Ryler Peters, Gavin Peters, Alexa Anderson, Harper Hickey, Gianna Smieszek and Enzo Smieszek; stepchildren, Kristy (Dan) Smieszek and Anthony Elmo.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Nancy Howell Hickey; his sister, Lila; daughter, Lois Peters; and grandson, Keith Hickey.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Hickey Vocational Scholarship through the Salem High School Alumni Association, 330 E. State St., Salem, OH 44460.

If unable to attend, you may show your support by joining our complimentary “Hugs from Home” program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

Friends may call 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at Stark Memorial Funeral Home, with an Elks service following at 7 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church.

Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery with military honors.

(special notice)