Rita M. Hegarty

August 30, 1938 — September 1, 2023

Rita Mary Hegarty, 85, of Dumont, NJ passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 1, 2023. She was the loving wife of Patrick J. Hegarty, her devoted husband of 63 years until his passing on October 30, 2021. Rita is survived by her four loving children, Patrick of NY, Kevin and his wife, Susan of Wayne, NJ, Kathleen Velazquez and her husband, Leo, of Venice, FL, and Mary Ellen Breun and her husband, Chris, of Dumont, NJ.  Rita was the loving grandmother and great-grandmother of six adoring grandchildren: Jason and Kelliann Velazquez, Eric, Shannon and Tyler Breun, and Maura Hegarty; and great grandchildren Madeline and Jordan, who will all miss her dearly.  She was also a beloved daughter, sister, niece, and aunt, with many cherished friends.

Born in Boston, MA, Rita and her brothers Jerry and Walter, who predeceased her,  lived with their parents in Bronx, NY and spent many joyful summers on their grandparents’ farm with their aunts in Prince Edward Island, Canada.  While raising her children, Rita rejoined the workforce until retiring from Meldisco in Mahwah in 1992.  Rita served many years in the Ladies Auxiliary of Dumont’s Volunteer Fire Department, Independent Hose Co., with scores of fond memories with lifelong friends she made there and everywhere else. 

Family and friends may visit at Riewerts Memorial Home, 187 South Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ on Friday, September 15, 2023 from 4-8pm.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11am on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at St. Mary's RC Church, Dumont, where she was an active parishioner for decades.  Cremation will be private.

Memorial donations in Rita's memory may be made to St. Mary's RC Church, 280 Washington Avenue, Dumont, NJ 07628. Please indicate "Food Pantry – Rita M. Hegarty" in the accompanying memo or note.