Eugene Lawrence Hendel

WEST CHESTER – Eugene “Gene” Hendel passed away on June 30, 2024. Gene was a man who was anything but ordinary, and it makes no sense to write a generic obituary for a legend such as him. He’s probably shaking his head right now, saying, “I asked for simple!” Gene spent 50 years in the toy industry, working with giants like Kenner, Mattel, Hasbro, and Tiger Electronics. His family was so proud when he decided to launch his own company, Gene Hendel Associates, as a manufacturer’s rep. It was a huge leap of faith with a wife, two kids, and a dog to care for, but given his stellar reputation and work ethic, he thrived and became more successful than ever. Gene's love for his family was unwavering. He and his beloved wife, Susan, met in California at their apartment complex when Gene boldly introduced himself to Susan at the pool with a stack of newspapers in hand; the rest, as they say, is history. They raised two daughters, Lisa Hendel Petty and Kerry Hendel, and doted on their grandchildren, Rebecca and Alex Petty. Gene and Susan lived a full life together, married for 56 years. Their favorite thing to do was travel the world, visiting places like Hong Kong, New Zealand, Amsterdam, and more. Despite his career in the toy industry, Gene’s children were not showered with toys daily; they had to earn those Barbies fair and square. What they were genuinely showered with was love. While it was not until later in life that he expressed his love with the words, “I love you,” it was evident in every other way how much he cared. From the country club membership to Hilton Head vacations, cheering at soccer games, and countless family trips to the ballpark, Gene made sure his entire family was well taken care of and then some. Gene's love for his community was as strong as his love for his family and pets. Originally from Rhode Island, he moved to West Chester Township in 1978 and never wanted to leave. Once his kids were grown, Gene became an advocate for West Chester. He encouraged and managed his friend and neighbor Lee’s campaign for Trustee, attended every Trustee Meeting on Tuesday nights, supported his daughter Kerry on her run for Fiscal Officer, served on the advisory board for the West Chester Fire Department, donated many toys each year to Reach Out Lakota from his personal samples, and volunteered at every event he could that his wife Susan and daughter Kerry were involved in through their leadership in the West Chester/Liberty Rotary Club and Union Centre Food Truck Rally. His impact on the community will be felt for years to come. Gene was a lover of dogs for decades. Always speaking of his childhood dog, Stubby, it was only fitting that he had a dog for his kids to love, Terra. Gene would never get another pet until his daughter Lisa brought a cat home from college…and then he was stuck. This cat was not friendly and ended up running away on a fateful trip to the vet (he never let Kerry live this down), but while he and Kerry were both out of town, some kids brought the “lost cat” to the house to be reunited with the family, which Susan figured was the same cat. Not the same cat, but Kitty 2.0 was the best buddy Gene ever had and enjoyed a long life of 18 years with him. Not until a few years later, on a quick trip into a pet store, did he instantly fall in love with his cats, Snow White and Cinderella, who spent every waking and sleeping hour with their dad and now sit at the window still waiting for him to come home. Gene leaves a legacy that the West Chester community, his friends, his family, and his cats will forever feel. Gene also leaves behind his brother Richard (Vicki) Hendel. A public graveside service will be held on Friday, July 5, at 11:00 AM at the United Jewish Cemetery Loveland, located at 712 Loveland Miamiville Road, Miami Township, OH 45140. The family invites anyone to come and speak about Gene. Friends are also invited to visit the Hendel residence at 1:00 PM that afternoon. Contributions to the Gene and Susan Hendel Legacy Fund would be greatly appreciated in place of flowers. This Legacy Fund will directly impact those in the West Chester community, which Gene loved dearly. Donations can be mailed to 8897 Cincinnati Dayton Road, West Chester, OH 45069, or online at Gene and Susan Hendel Legacy Fund.

Tributes

Eugene Lawrence Hendel

August 17, 1943 - June 30, 2024