Francis "David" Hegarty

F. David Hegarty, 87, of Summerfield, Florida, formerly of Stoneham, Massachusetts, and Springvale, Maine, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at The Villages Hospital in The Villages, Florida, surrounded by family. 

David was born on February 28, 1936, in Stoneham, Massachusetts, to Robert and Ruth (Paquet) Hegarty, the youngest of eight children and a first-generation American. He grew up in Somerville, Massachusetts, attended local Catholic schools, graduated from St. Clement High School, and earned his accounting degree at Bentley College. In 1956, he married Marie Martin, and together they settled in Stoneham, raising 16 children and sharing nearly 50 years of marriage until her passing in 2006. David dedicated his working life serving the State of Massachusetts until his retirement in 1991. In 1998, he and his wife Marie relocated to Springvale, Maine, seeking a more relaxed pace of life. In 2008, David married his second wife, Mary and moved to Summerfield, Florida, where they enjoyed nearly 15 years of marriage. 

A devout Catholic, David’s faith was a central part of his life, and he found fulfillment in serving his church community. He believed in actively participating in his church and community, as well as in his children's schools when they were growing up. At St. Patrick's in Stoneham, he served as a Eucharistic Minister, CCD teacher and was involved in pro-life for 20 years. In Florida, he devoted time to volunteering with the Spiritual Friendship Club, a faith-based program for young people with special needs, and participated in a small Christian community and Bible study. David was a man with many interests. He was an enthusiastic coin collector and genealogist, always intrigued by tracing his family roots. A passionate sports fan, he cheered fervently for the Boston teams, proudly supporting his favorites, especially the Red Sox and Patriots. David was a sociable and outgoing individual, making friends effortlessly wherever he went. David had a talent for cooking and delighted in preparing elaborate meals for his family, ensuring that nobody left the table hungry. His stuffing, home fries, boiled dinner, and roast beef were particularly enjoyed by those fortunate enough to taste them. He cherished taking his family on camping trips and outings during his children's formative years. David relished dining out, listening to music, embarking on scenic weekend drives, and, above all, spending quality time with his loved ones and friends. He will forever be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and his absence will be deeply felt by his family and friends. David’s warm and kind-hearted nature endeared him to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and dedication to family and community. 

David was preceded in death by his siblings, his first wife Marie, his son Andrew Hegarty and a granddaughter, Alessandra Giangrande. 

F. David Hegarty's legacy lives on through his loved ones, whose lives he shaped with love and guidance. He leaves behind a cherished family, including his loving wife, Mary of Summerfield, Florida; fifteen children, David Hegarty and his wife Kathy of Reading, Massachusetts, Richard Hegarty of Woburn, Massachusetts, George Hegarty and his wife Cindy of Natick, Massachusetts, Judy Giangrande and her husband Louis of North Reading, Massachusetts, Robert Hegarty of Fall River, Massachusetts, Timothy Hegarty and his wifeCarolyn of Woburn, Massachusetts, Susan Columbus and her husband Stephen of Stoneham, Massachusetts, Lisa Jacks of Kingwood, Texas, James Hegarty and his wife Nona of Maryville, Tennessee, Thomas Hegarty of Stoneham and his longtime companion Carol D’Aloisio of Watertown, Massachusetts, Mark Hegarty of Stoneham, Massachusetts, Joanne Mastrangelo and her husband Christopher of West Newfield, Maine, Sara Guillemette and her husband Daniel of Sanford, Maine, Jason Hegarty of Tempe, Arizona, and John Hegarty and his wife Adrienne of Danville, California; a daughter-in-law, Beth Hegarty of Woburn, Massachusetts; a sister-in-law, Alice Hegarty of Stoneham, Massachusetts; four step-children, Mary Vanderheyden and her husband John of St. Petersburg, Florida, Steven Autey and his wife Diane of Maple Grove, Minnesota, Linda Cole and her husband Tim of Bloomington, Minnesota and Daniel Autey and his wife Lisa of Naples, Florida and a multitude of grandchildren, great grandchildren, step-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. His impact on their lives and the memories they shared will continue to be treasured. 

Funeral from the Barile Family Funeral Home 482 Main St. (RT28) STONEHAM on Saturday June 3rd, 2023 at 9 am followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating David's Eternal Life in St. Patrick Church 71 Central St. Stoneham at 10 am. Interment will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Stoneham.

Family and friends are kindly invited to gather and share memories with the family on Friday June 2nd, 2023 from 4 pm to 7 pm. Parking attendants and elevator available.

A memorial service for David’s friends in the Summerfield area will be held at a date to be announced. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in memory of David to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.com/donate.