Eugene William Hawkins

The Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Hawkins will be live streamed on the Facebook Page of Fisher Memorial Funeral Parlor.

FACE MASKS ARE STRONGLY URGED!!!

Eugene William Hawkins, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and steadfast pillar of his community, was born on January 26, 1933. He lived a life defined by quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, and a deep, abiding love for the people and places that shaped him. On March 14, 2026, he completed his earthly journey and joined the ancestors, reunited with his beloved wife of 50 years, Marion Hawkins, his mother, Helen Cogswell, and his stepfather, James “Micky” White.

Eugene leaves behind a legacy carried forward by his children, Eugene Anthony Hawkins (Michelle) and Stephanie Hawkins Anderson (Sherman), and by the grandchildren who brought him immeasurable joy: Nandi Sanaa Hawkins (24), Xavier Eugene Hawkins (18), Gabriel Edward Anderson (16), and twins Myles Eugene Anderson and Maya Marion Anderson (13). Their lives reflect the values he lived—faith, humility, service, and love.

Eugene’s early years were shaped by the courage of his mother, Helen, who left Savannah, Georgia, for New York City in search of opportunity. Born in Manhattan, Eugene was raised by Helen — and later his stepfather, Mickey — in the San Juan Hill neighborhood. Though the family lived modestly and moved often between tenement apartments, their home was anchored by love, resilience, and community.

San Juan Hill, rich with Black and Afro-Caribbean culture, music, and creativity, and home to jazz greats like Thelonious Monk, formed the backdrop of Eugene’s childhood.  It’s no surprise that Eugene grew to love jazz deeply, with Monk becoming his favorite. and sparked his lifelong devotion to the music he cherished. When urban renewal in the 1940s and 1950s demolished the neighborhood to make way for what is now Lincoln Center, Eugene and his family were among the thousands displaced.

He found stability in his education at Haaren High School, graduating in 1950 — a place he remembered with deep affection long after the building became home to John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Through every transition and challenge, Eugene carried forward the resilience born in those early years—a strength that would anchor him to his last day.

Raised in the Christian faith, Eugene converted to Catholicism as a young student, drawn to the serenity he found there. He served faithfully at Christ the King Parish in Queens as an usher, greeting parishioners with the quiet kindness that defined him. After relocating to Durham, he became a regular at Holy Cross Catholic Church’s Saturday Mass and especially enjoyed their First Saturday fellowship dinners.

Shortly after signing the papers that marked the beginning of his career as an electrical technician with Consolidated Edison (ConEd), Eugene received notice that he had been drafted into the United States Army. He served honorably for 2 years and when he returned home, he resumed his position at ConEd and went on to build an extraordinary 44‑year career.

On June 29, 1963, Eugene married Marion Davis, the love of his life. As an only child, he embraced her large Antiguan family with joy, humor, and open arms—often teasing her in their early dating years with the question, “Another sister?” Together, they built a home in Queens that became a cherished gathering place for holiday dinners, basement parties, and generations of family memories. It remains our family home.

Eugene loved to travel. He and Marion spent many summers in Cape Cod, later exploring the United States with their children and proudly displaying flags from every state they visited on a wall in their basement. When they became empty nesters, they enjoyed cruises to the Caribbean.

Service was a defining thread in Eugene’s life. For many years, he volunteered as an NYPD auxiliary police officer, proudly wearing his uniform and serving his community. He was also a dedicated blood donor, contributing more than 20 gallons over his lifetime. After retiring from ConEd, he began working as an election official during multiple election cycles.

A proud and devoted Mason, Eugene was honored with the 33rd Degree of the Scottish Rite, served as a Knight Templar of the York Rite, and was an active Shriner—some of the highest distinctions in Masonry. In 2022, his beloved lodge, Mt. Moriah #26 in Brooklyn, celebrated him for 55 years of unwavering dedication, leadership, and integrity.

Though soft-spoken, Eugene’s presence was powerful—steady, grounding, and full of love. He cherished jazz and classical music, but nothing meant more to him than his family. To his children and grandchildren, he was the model of a father and grandfather: dependable, supportive, and loving. To nieces, nephews, and extended family, he was a source of wisdom, calm, and known for having a Heineken in his hand.

Eugene William Hawkins lived a life marked by devotion—to his family, his work, his community, and his values. His legacy endures in the generations he nurtured, the home he built, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness and constancy. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever celebrated.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eugene William Hawkins, please visit our floral store.