Eugene A. Hetson

E. A. Hetson (Gene) completed his final safari on March 21, 2023. He was born November 1, 1928 in Farrell, Pa. to Albert and Susan Hetsun. Gene always felt privileged to have been raised in the Shenango Valley under the auspices of the F. H. Buhl Foundation. He graduated from Sharon High School, served in the U.S. Marine Corps, graduated from Mount Union College, and retired from Firestone International Co. after 35 years of service working as a chemist and technical coordinator in the African and Asian tire facilities.

Gene was a product of the Great Depression with America’s involvement in WWII affording him many profound and uncommon opportunities that affected his lifestyle. Post retirement he joined the Philtread Tire Co. as a consultant in Manila, Philippines where he met and married his loving wife Josefina Perez. Gene also worked at Goodyear Research in Brecksville and Seiberling Rubber Co. in Barberton. Gene and Josefina remain in contact with international colleagues, and were fortunate to attend several Firestone International reunions.

He was a world traveler visiting many interesting places during his career. Gene was a longtime member of the Greensburg United Methodist Church and a volunteer at Green Good Neighbors. He was a member of Eagles 2370 in Canton, Portage Lakes Fitness Center, and the Barberton YMCA.

Together Gene and Josefina maintained their own nature realm in a river valley town in Rayland, OH and became part of the community there. He was proficient in all sporting activities that involved woods and waters. A lover of nature, he was a “happy camper,” and loved to sing and dance. His favorite pastimes were brush-hogging thickets at the farm and just wandering down the crick. He also enjoyed taking care of the critters, planting food plots, watching the hunters bring in their trophies, keeping supper warm, and singing a few sea shanties and campfire ditties on the front porch. Gene and Josefina enjoyed being part of the neighborhood in Rayland and enjoyed pastor Marvin’s visits to the camp to check on the hunters.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, his sister Dorothy (Bob) Fike, and is survived by his loving wife Josefina (and family), sons David of Denver, CO (Kelli, Jack and Anne), and Gary (Linda, Michelle, Robert, Joshua, Hannah, and Veronica), and brother Leonard Gerald (Jerry) Hetson of Hubbard OH, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home at 3553 Northdale St. NW, Uniontown, OH 44685. Funeral Services will be Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Greensburg United Methodist Church at 2161 Greensburg Rd., N. Canton, OH 44720. Interment will be Monday, March 27, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 2619 E. State St, Hermitage, PA 16148 where his parents are buried. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Green Good Neighbors at Greensburg United Methodist Church.