“Heavy Kevy” of Wing Bowl fame died last Thursday at the age of 59 following a battle with kidney cancer.

Real name Kevin O’Donnell, he won the famous chicken eating contest back in 1994 and 1995, long before the event expanded to the Electric Factory, Spectrum, and later Wells Fargo Center. As such, he was a Wing Bowl OG, right up there with the likes of Carmen Cordero and Bill Simmons.

Here’s his obituary, via the Gloucester City News:

Kevin aka “Heavy Kevy”, O’Donnell, age 59 of Williamstown, New Jersey passed away peacefully on March 12, 2020 surrounded by his family. Beloved husband to Vickie (nee Curtis) O’Donnell, devoted father to daughters Devin and Riane

O’Donnell. Cherished son of Thomas J. O’Donnell and the late Kathleen (nee Delahunty) O’Donnell.  Son-in-law of Wilma Curtis and the late Charles T. Curtis.  Kevin was happily married to Vickie O’Donnell for 21 years. There is nothing in the world he valued more than his family.  He is survived by 5 siblings – whom all share the most remarkable bond with each other.  Dr. Deborah Mulgrew (Joe), Kelly Duffy (John), Tricia Cunningham-McNulty (the late Steve McNulty), Michael O’Donnell (Denise), and Thomas E. O’Donnell, Esq. (Ruth). He is also survived by an uncle, aunts, cousins and many nieces and nephews.

Kevin was from Gloucester City, New Jersey. He graduated from Gloucester Catholic High School in 1978 as a proud Ram.   He received a degree in business and finance from West Liberty University. Kevin worked briefly as a stockbroker but most of his career was in the mortgage industry.  He was a valued employee of Greentree Mortgage Company in Gibbsboro, New Jersey.  Kevin worked in the mortgage and banking industry for over 30 years.  He was an active member of the New Jersey Mortgage Bankers Association and was commonly considered a “mortgage savant”.

Kevin was well-known as Heavy Kevy, a champion Wing Bowl competitor and commentator.  He was a proud winner of Wing Bowl 2 and 3 and went on to be inducted into the WIP Wing Bowl Hall of Fame. If you knew anything about Kevin O’Donnell, you knew he had impeccable style. He was always well dressed, and he enjoyed working as a mortgage banker very much.  He was a devout Catholic, and a friend to anyone in need.  As a kind and compassionate man, he sought every opportunity to comfort and support those who needed help in any situation. He enjoyed coaching football, watching sports, hanging out with his girls and binge-watching Dallas, The Sopranos and Live PD.  An avid music lover – Kevin could quote the lyrics to nearly any song between 1970 and 2000.  A Phillies and Eagles fan till the end, he assures us all he will talk to the Big Guy about getting us another Super Bowl win this year.

There will be a viewing from 6:00pm to 9:00pm Monday evening at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE.  Viewing Tuesday morning 9:00am to 10:00am at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE. Funeral Mass 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Church Gloucester City, New Jersey.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Kevin’s name, payable to the Ram Fund c/o Gloucester Catholic High School, 333 Ridgeway Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030.

I never met Heavy Kevy but heard he was a really nice guy. Bummer that he’s no longer with us. Spare a thought today for his wife and daughters.