Patrick R. Hegarty

Patrick Raymond Hegarty passed away at home surrounded by his family on April 21st, 2023, his late mother’s birthday. His last two years included a hard-fought battle with cancer. Patrick was born on October 31st, 1966 in Oak Park as the eighth child of Edward and Mary Frances Hegarty. After graduating from Oak Park River Forest High School, Patrick enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served our country for four years as a Rifleman, during which he enjoyed a “Mediterranean cruise”, and was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, CT.

Patrick married Catherine Helmke on August 11th, 1990. They had two daughters, Erica and Stephanie. Patrick was well known for his bad jokes and animated recitation of “The Cremation of Sam McGee”. Both came from his beloved Uncle Ray.

Patrick loved to spend time outdoors and enjoyed traveling to National Parks. His favorite place was Arches National Park, after which he named his campervan “Archie”. The name Archie is also in honor of the golden arches of McDonald’s, where he spent most of his career. During his time with McDonald’s he earned The Presidents’ Award, which recognizes the top 1% of employees. In addition, the name Archie harkens back to Archibald Henderson, the longest-serving Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mary Frances Hegarty and brother-in-law Joseph Williams.

Patrick is survived by his loving wife Catherine, daughters Erica (Thurman) Fogleman and Stephanie, brothers Edward (Cindy), Michael (Diane), Daniel (Kathy), Christopher (Amy Nelson), Terrence, and sisters Maureen (Dan) Kruszynski, RoseAnn (Jim) Vonesh, Kathleen (Robert) Burdett, MaryPat (the late Joseph) Williams, and Mary Rose (Gerard) Crimmins, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, April 29th at 1:00pm at Grace Lutheran Church 7300 Division Street in River Forest, IL. The memorial service will take place at 2:00pm with fellowship following.

Due to allergies, in lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation in his memory, blood donations, gifts to Misericordia Home (family reference number 1046), Community Renewal Society or Walther Christian Academy are all greatly appreciated.