Robert Nelson Hickey, 62, of Raynham, formerly of Mansfield and Roxbury, died April 10 at his home after a lengthy illness.

Born on Sept. 28, 1948, in Brookline, he was the son of the late Nelson Hickey and Catherine (Burns) Hickey.

Mr. Hickey was educated in the Boston public school system. At a young age, he developed a love for sports. He was a natural athlete and earned many awards playing baseball and football.

He had a passion for buying, selling, and fixing cars, and was co-owner of Central Ave. Repair in Milton for more than 25 years with his brothers.

His family was the most important thing to him. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends while attending antique car shows and sporting events, traveling, snowmobiling, and dressing up as Santa Claus.

Mr. Hickey took great pride in putting smiles on people’s faces while hosting giant cookouts, insisting on doing all the cooking and grilling himself. One of his favorite joys was the annual cookout that he hosted every Memorial Day.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria (Clark) Hickey; his children, Reginald Hickey, of New Hampshire, Steven Hickey and Robert Hickey Jr., both of Taunton, Tawana Williams, of California, Tamara Davis, of Maryland, and Douglas Withers Jr. and Donte Brown, both of Raynham; his siblings, Catherine Guariglia, of Bridgewater, Edward Hickey, of Norton, and Ronald Hickey, of Mansfield; and 13 grandchildren.

He was the brother of the late Nelson Hickey.

A funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Mansfield, on April 16. Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Mansfield.

Donations may be made to the MGH GI Cancer Fund at Development Services, MGH, 165 Cambridge St., Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114.