Francis Hegarty

Francis "Frank" Hegarty was born the third of four siblings and lived his early years in Somerville, MA. When duty called, he served in the Army 196th Field Artillery Battalion in the Korean conflict. After the war he returned to Massachusetts and completed a bachelor's degree in business administration from Northeastern University and soon after moved with his wife Clare and growing family to a small house in Wakefield. Wakefield was his home for the next 59 years.

After retiring from the St. Johnsbury Trucking company in 1993, Frank enjoyed an active life in the community. He could be found every Sunday at St. Florence Parish where he was a member of the Holy Name Society. He was dedicated to the church and volunteered in a wide range of activities, from eucharistic minister to BEANO caller. He was also the church's resident photographer providing photos of important events such as First Communion and Confirmation.

Photography was his lifelong passion. Frank volunteered at WCAT where he learned how to operate a TV camera, eventually working his way up to lead cameraman. He even tried his hand at producing and won a "Producer of the Year" award. Francis took great pride in covering the many important events in the town for WCAT including the 4th of July Parade and seldom missed an opportunity to be behind the camera. He also contributed photographs to the Wakefield Daily Item. Whenever there was a need for a cameraman or photographer, Frank would be there.

He was also an avid bowler and participated in leagues at the Wakefield Bowl-a-drome until the very last years of his life. Frank was active at the Senior Center and volunteered for many years to prepare the Tuesday lunch. He was also a member of the Retired Men's Club, Square One Mall Walkers, a regular at senior cookouts, and many other community activities. Frank was honored late in life by being asked to march in the color guard with the Korean War Veterans in the Annual 4th of July Parade. Frank's warm smile and friendly personality will be remembered by all who knew him.

Frank was the beloved husband of Clare (Fallon) Hegarty . He was the loving father of Barbara Gonzalez and husband Rene of TX, Clare Cornetta and her late husband David of Melrose, Frank Hegarty Jr. and Jennifer Hegarty both of Wakefield and John Hegarty of WA. He was the brother of Ann White of Stoughton and the late James and Paul Hegarty and Mary Coleman. He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Florence Church, 47 Butler Ave., Wakefield on Thursday at 11 a.m. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. Interment, Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.

Wednesday, February 16
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

McDonald Funeral Home
19 Yale Ave
Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 245-3550

Thursday, February 17
11:00 AM

St. Florence Church
47 Butler Ave
Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 245-3550