James A. Hegarty

James A. Hegarty, Master Sergeant, United States Marine Corp (Ret), 85, of Lansing Street, Hagaman, NY; passed away Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, NY.

Born in Gloversville, NY on April 18, 1936, he was the son of the late William F. and Mary Zella Hegarty.

Jim graduated from Gloversville High School in 1954 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

Jim served 20 years of active duty which included tours in Vietnam and as a “White Top” crewmember with Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) under President Richard M. Nixon.

He was awarded the Air Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal with silver star, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Combat Air Crew Insignia and Presidential Service Badge.

After military service, Jim graduated from the State University of New York at Albany with a degree in History and taught for twenty years at Gloversville Middle School and High School.

Jim was a parishioner and communicant of St. Stephen’s Church in Hagaman, Knights of Columbus Broadalbin Council 7629 and the Marian Movement for Priest Cenacle in So. Carolina.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lois Uhlinger Hegarty whom he married on October 6, 1962, sons, William (Dan) of Columbus, OH, Matthew (Grace) of Rochester, NY, and David (Rachel) of Wake Forest, NC., and his daughter, Maureen Moran (Thomas) of Ballston Lake, NY; one brother, William Patrick of Ormand Beach, Fl. Seven grandchildren, T.J. and Ryan Moran, Victoria, Johnathon, Katherine, Jackson and Lily. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Jim was also predeceased by four sisters, Teresa Ellen, Marie Brett, Anne McCarthy and Sister Marie of Jesus, OCD.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Church, 51 N. Pawling Street, Hagaman, NY 12086.

Jim’s family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 prior to the mass at Church.

Interment with full military honors will follow at the parish cemetery.

Memorial gifts in Jim’s name may be made to the Navy-Marine Corp Relief Society, 875 N. Randolph Street, Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203 or Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department, 126 S. Pawling Street, Hagaman, NY 12086.

To send online condolences to the family, visit www.rileymortuaryinc.com