Obituary of Eugene Arthur Hedberg, Sr.

Celebrating the World’s Greatest…

Eugene Hedberg was the greatest Son, Husband, Father & Grandfather you could ask for. His joy and love for life brought so much light to those around him. Gene was an extremely generous man, looking out for those around him and always offered a hand to those who needed it.

On Thursday, May 4^th, 2023 Gene passed away and joined his beloved sons in heaven. He passed in the town where he built his beautiful family, Huntington, New York surrounded with love by his wife, children and grandchildren.

Gene was a Brooklyn native, growing up in the city with his brother Francis and sister Carolyn. Once he met the love of his life Linda, everything changed. The two fell in love instantly, it was a fairy tale love story. They married on the 5^th of May 1962 and a year later welcomed their first daughter Diane. The family quickly grew following, with Lori, Eugene, Curt & Keith.

With a family so large and full of love, Gene and Linda out grew their Greenpoint home and moved out to Long Island, where they would create endless memories across generations. Their Greenlawn home allowed Gene to grow in his career as a telephone engineer but also create adventures with his wife and children that they would forever cherish. Once Gene bought his boat, Linda Mae, he was able to share his love of the water with the family. From fishing, to clam hunting with their toes, to swims around Long Island shores, Gene was able to soak up the sun and sea air with his family by his side.

Not only was Gene an amazing father, but he was a wonderful Poppop, some may say the greatest there ever was. Every morning was started with a giant “MMM” kiss and hug, a song and a chef’s breakfast, with nothing off the menu, even if you made it up. The love he showed to his grandchildren was enough for a million lifetimes, and we will all be forever grateful for that. Nothing gave him more joy than teasing us, wether that be “removing” a finger or using Barbies as scarecrows. As a Poppop, he was always on your side, supporting you in any dream you could imagine and cheering you on every step of the way. As long as he got his “mmm” kiss, his (and our) day got so much brighter.

Gene taught so many to enjoy every moment of life. To soak up every minute, never leave an “I love you” unsaid, always give a helping hand and to keep your family by your side. He was a hero to so many in so many ways.

Gene has many people waiting for him in heaven, his parents, siblings and of course his loving sons, Eugene and Curt. He will be greeted with the largest milkshake imaginable and get to spend some much-awaited time with his boys.

The Funeral Service for Gene will be 4 pm – 8 pm Friday, May 12, 2023, at M. A. Connell Funeral Home. The following day there will be a church service 10:00 am Saturday, May 13th at St. Francis of Assisi in Greenlawn, NY.

Gene was born May 24, 1938, in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Francis V. and Grace L. (Smith) Hedberg. He was united in marriage to his beautiful Linda Vahle on May 5, 1962 allowing them to spend 61 beautiful years together.

Survivors include his loving wife, Linda Hedberg his children, Diane D’Amico (Daniel), Lori Dennington (John) & Keith Hedberg; His grandchildren Christopher Gillis-Massey (Mari Catherine), Kaitlyn Dennington, Amanda Backmann (Nicholas), Brain Massey, Shannon Dennington, Keeley Hedberg, Aidan D’Amico, Keith Hedberg, Eugene D’Amico, Curt Hedberg & Gwyneth Hedberg.