Earl M. Hegarty

BUXTON – Earl Hegarty of Buxton passed away peacefully at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House on Oct. 30, 2024, with his family by his side. He was born in Mexico, Maine, on Dec. 11, 1934, the son of George and Eva (Martin) Hegarty.

Earl attended schools in Mexico and Portland, Maine and later went on to become a Master Plumber. After having a few different positions, Earl went into business for himself, becoming the hard working and proud owner of Hegarty Plumbing & Heating, Inc.

It was while on a plumbing service call that Earl met Edith Larochelle who later became his bride in 1961. They spent 59 years as husband and wife, raising three wonderful sons, Warren (Bud), George, and Frank.

Earl had many interests and hobbies throughout his lifetime. In his younger years Earl obtained his pilot license and owned a few airplanes. He was very musical, playing the spoons and harmonica, loved to sing and dance, and found it impossible to keep his foot still if there was music playing. He could jitterbug with the best of them. Earl also loved to play cards. Though the years he and Edie would often play with friends, and in their later years could be found sitting at their kitchen table playing together daily. Along with Edie, he lovingly spent hours teaching all six of his grandchildren how to play cribbage. 

Earl’s Catholic faith was important to him and he spent many years in the Knights of Columbus and serving as a Eucharistic minister at church. 

Of all the interests and joys in his life, family was most important to Earl. At family gatherings he often said he was a rich man. Earl is predeceased by his parents George and Eva Hegarty, his beloved wife, Edith Hegarty, brothers Robert (Mary Ann) Hegarty, Raymond Hegarty, sister Eileen (Peter) Conley.

Earl is survived by his sons Bud (Kathryn) Hegarty, George (Marie) Hegarty, Frank (Debra) Hegarty, six grandchildren, Sean (Sara), Jessica, David (Luke), Rachel, Nicholas and Allison Hegarty, three great grandchildren, Tyler, Quinn and Wesley Hegarty, his sister Sally Queen, and many nieces and nephews.

Earl had an infectious laugh and known for his “one-liners”. Dad, Earl, Grampa, as you always told family when we were parting, “I’ll see you when you are better paid”.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at St. Hyacinth Church, 268 Brown St. Westbrook, Maine. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Jones, Rich and Barnes Funeral Home in Portland.

Please visit http://www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to leave condolences for the Hegarty family and sign Earle’s online guest book.