Robert R. Hickey

Salem- Robert R. Hickey of Salem, Ohio passed away peacefully at Akron Summa Hospital surrounded by his family on October 11, 2024.

He was born in Salem on November 28, 1931, 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 is 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 to travel, working on his cars, working in the yard/woods and spending his winters in Florida.

For everyone that 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 Fiancée 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; step-children, 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 that you designate donations to be made to the Hickey Vocational Scholarship through the Salem High School Alumni Association, 330 East State Street, Salem, Ohio 44460.

Friends may call at Stark Memorial Funeral Home on Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with an Elks Service following at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 18, 2024. A live stream of the service will be available on the St Paul Salem Ohio Facebook page.

Burial will be at Grandview Cemetery with military honors. 

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

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