Frederick J. Hikel

Frederick J. Hikel, 87, of Bridgeport, passed away Saturday, February 22, 2025, in the United Hospital Center. He was born in Clarksburg on March 14, 1937, a son of the late George and Ida (Habeb) Hikel.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Reiblich Hikel, in 2011; and his sister, Genevieve Cunningham and her husband Ernest.
He is survived by numerous cousins with whom he was very close.
Freddie graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1955, and Fairmont State College in 1959. In September 1959, he went to Baltimore, MD, where he taught in Baltimore County for over 25 years. He also refereed basketball with the ACC, ECAS, Metro, and Big East Leagues for 25 years.
After retirement, he spent his time between Maryland and Winter Haven, FL, as a snowbird for 22 years. He volunteered his time with the Regeneration Store for Saint Matthews. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the National Education Association, and was inducted as an Irish Legend at Notre Dame High School. He returned to Bridgeport and stayed with his cousins Bob and Bernadette Ayoob, and then lived at Harmony Oaks for the last several years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to be made to All Saints Catholic Church.
Friends will be received at All Saints Catholic Church, 317 E. Main Street, Bridgeport, from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, with Very Rev. Walt Jagela as Celebrant. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.
Burnside Funeral Home, Bridgeport