Daniel R. Hegarty
July 24, 1946 – August 2, 2020
Daniel R. Hegarty passed away at the age of 74 in Omaha, Nebraska on Sunday, August 2, 2020 after a valiant battle with Covid 19.
Born in Omaha on July 24th, 1946, Dan is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, G. Chris (Grasso) Hegarty, with whom he fell in love while they were both still in high school. Together, they raised two daughters, Amber Deines (friend Tom Ryan) and Courtney Froien (Michael). Dan’s world revolved foremost around Chris and his family, and he especially adored their four grandchildren: Grace and Faith Deines and Michael and Jack Froien, as well as his beloved nephew, Christopher McBreen. He is survived also by his sister, Eileen South (Rusk); his two brothers, Tom Hegarty (Vici) and Jim Hegarty (Samantha) as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary (Dannehy) and Daniel R. Hegarty, and his younger sister Colleen Hawley.
Dan served in the United States National Guard from 1965 until 1971 and then worked for Union Pacific Railroad until his retirement. He was a faithful friend of Bill W., and participated actively in the local recovery community for more than three decades, performing innumerable acts of service and serving as a role model for many. He enjoyed a wealth of cherished friends in Omaha and the surrounding area and leaves behind a powerful legacy. The world was better with him in it, and he will be missed by every person who knew him.
VISITATION following CDC guidelines: Friday, August 7th from 5pm to 7pm, at the West Center Chapel followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, August 8th, 12 Noon, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church (14330 Eagle Run Dr.) In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Millard Intergroup – 5822 Oak Street, Omaha, NE 68106.
To view a live broadcast of the Vigil and Mass, go to our website and click the View Live Cast Button on our homepage.
47 Comments
We are saddened by the loss of our friend and cousin.
So sorry for your loss. Dan was always a great example to me and many others. Your family is in my prayers.
RIP Dan. Prayers to all the family.
I love you Uncle Dan. I’m so sad to know you are gone.
So sorry for your loss. Dan was one of the most amazing human beings I’ve ever known. He always took the time to ask how I was doing and always gave me sound counsel. I’m so very grateful that I had the gift of knowing Dan, he was a dear friend ever since I moved here from Kansas City & I will miss him immensely.
❤️your words touched my heart.
I remember Dan as one of the kids on 47 Ave that played king of the mountain, kick the can, and baseball when you played with your friends in the street and went in when the street lights came on
May God bless his family and welcome Dan home as a good and faithful servant
Your words were so meaningful when I read them after my dad passed away. I still miss my dad every hour of every day and here I am at the early morning hours reading comments and I just wanted to tell you that seen your comment 2 months ago brought a smile to my face when you said to welcome him home to heaven and said he was a faithful servant
We are so very sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. Our prayers are with all of the Hegartys during this difficult time. May God surround you all with love.
So many wonderful memories of my Uncle Dan! He helped a lot of people like my Grandpa Dan did! I remember Peony Park & then Romeo’s & all the times I had fun sleepovers with my cousins Courtney & Amber! Dancing to records! Wonderful memories & such a fun Uncle! You will be missed so much Uncle Dan❤
To the family of Dan, you are in my heart’s and prayers. Dan certainly touch my life. Dan shared with me, that when his Dad passed, his Dad told him the key to all of this is (forgiveness.)
These days have been so difficult for all of us. After losing my sister Patricia Palmer at the age of 50. Now to see cousin Dan moving on before us. Thank you for sharing Uncle Dan’s statement about forgiveness it hit me right at home love to all Angel Rose
Dan was a great guy…a real gentleman. Jim and Sam, I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed by a lot of people…he was a real difference maker!
Thank you so much for writing such a meaningful condolence to my family in regards to my beloved father, he really was a difference Maker! I think of my dad so many times throughout the day. Here it is 4:00 in the morning and like most mornings I’m up usually about this time because once I wake up I start thinking about my dad , my day starts. Some people think I torture myself because I’m always going back through the last 2 days that I got to spend with my dad and I view our videos and every picture I took. It is a torture, I’m so so grateful for the time I got and the videos that I made and being able to read all the comments that were left during my dad’s 31 day fight. I keep praying for him to visit me in my dreams and I know the pain will always be there but I hope it starts to get easier because right now it’s still as hard as it was the very first day. Again thank you for leaving such a meaningful condolence.
May God bless you during this difficult time. Dan was so special and he will be missed greatly! My deepest sympathy!
So sorry for your loss Jim and Sam. Heartfelt condolences to you and your Family from me and the entire Hanley Family. Hugs and prayers
May God bless you during this difficult time. Dan was a very special person who helped so many- he will be greatly missed! Sending my deepest sympathy.
He will be missed by many. So sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Dan’s family and friends. He planted the seed of recovery, and for that I am eternally grateful.
Jim and Sam: So sorry for your loss. I still remember conversations with Dan early in my “journey”. He made a difference in my life.
My sincerest sympathy to all Dans loved ones. He was such an awesome role model. He will sorely be missed by everyone.
We are sorry for your loss Jim and Sam. We are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Our prayers are with the family and with all whose lives were touched by Dan’s presence . There are many.
Our family is saying a lot of prayers for you guys. Dan made a lot of people feel like they were a part of his family. Thank you for that privilege.
There were countless times I witnessed acts of love by watching and knowing Dan, Therefore, I, and countless others came to know God’s presence in this world. How do we show our gratitude? I will try and pass it on. I hope, pray, and trust that the entire Hegarty family will be given what they need to be led ever so gently in your grief.
I was saddens to hear if Dan’s passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you Chris, Amber & Courtney, as well as the rest of the family. I have fond memories of Dans wam and welcoming spirit. He lived as a true example to what he spoke. May God comfort those left behind.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hegarty Family. May God Bless you during this difficult time.
Our cousin Dan was a sweet, kind, person. He leaves a huge void. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Hegarty family. Mary Post, Kathy Morgan, Linda and Joe Dan White
Dan made a powerful impact in the lives of countless people. He was an unforgettable man whose energy filled the room. Eternal rest grant him Oh Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him.
I was so sorry to hear of Dan’s passing, I only met Dan a few times but, he left a lasting impression on me,. What an impact he made and a difference in so many lives. Sending heartfelt thoughts and prayers for comfort to all of the family and friends. We will continue to “Carry the Message” Dan!! Rest In Peace
I was inspired by Dan on many occasions. He showed me how to be a kind man and loving human person. Although he had an edge it was fueled by a passion for afflicted and suffering. He will be missed. Much love from the Thompson family
Dan, you were a few of my life’s mentors, when I needed guidance, and emotional. You were a teacher for me to follow. You are still a pilliars for us in recovery…I’ll miss you, my friend..
Dan helped me find sobriety and serenity with his many sharing acts of kindness. He will be missed. 🙏
My thoughts and prayers are with the Hegarty family. Dan was a kind and passionate man who made an impact on so many lives. He will be missed.
Rest In Peace, Dan. You made a difference, friend and we will all miss you. My heart goes out to the entire Hegarty Family. God bless you.
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you Duff
So sorry to learn of Dan’s passing. A true example for all to emulate. He’ll be greatly missed, but not forgotten. Sending prayers for comfort & serenity for the entire Hegarty family.
Mike Maulick
Surprise, AZ
I am so sorry for your loss. I’ll miss Dan a lot. He was a good sponsor and a good friend. I am in the middle of writing all the things he did for me and what I learned from him. It’s becoming a very long list..Awesome!!! I’ll aleays remember his wisdom, his kindness and his ability to keep me working on my recovery’. Thanks Dan and I am so sorry to all his family. I got to tell him one day on a chance meeting in a store all the he meant to me. I know that made him happy. Goodbye friend
Reading your post brought me so much joy because I know how important you were to my father. I’m so glad you guys had that “chance meeting”. If you ever get your list done of everything you learned from my dad I would love for you to share it with me maybe I’ll learn some new stuff too. I miss him so so much but I know he is free and he’s here with us even if we can’t touch him.
To all of the Hegarteys, we are so sorry to hear about Dan’s death. Just watched the funeral mass. The music was beautiful. So many memories of long, in depth chats with Dan, while I worked at Cannons and was in PT school. He went through a lot! Chris, I wish I was there to give you a huge hug right now. (Joe is out of town, but I KNOW he has many many memories growing up on 47 ave)
To the Hegartys, we are so sorry to hear about the death of Dan. Just watched the funeral mass. The music was beautiful. Joe has many memories of the 47 ave “Hood”. I remember so many deep conversations with Dan while I worked at Cannons and was going to PT school. He went through a lot! Chris, I wish I was there to give you a huge hug! Dan’s memories have become a treasure.. Love to the Hegartys from the Hebes. Joe and Margaret
Dan was sincere in his love for God and family. He always showed great kindness toward me and my family. My sincere condolences to Chris and the family. My thoughts and prayers with you all.
I’m so sorry for your loss and what you all had to experience. I have fond memories of of our softball games and all the fun we had. I also loved coming over to Dan’s parents on Christmas Eve.. Hope your recovering Chris. I’m thinking of you all.
Just wanted to tell the Hegarty family how saddened I was to read about Dan’s passing. I’m so glad I was able to watch the Funeral Mass on my computer today. I grew up across the street from Dan and have many good memories of those times in the neighborhood together. Dan will continue to influence people’s lives for many years to come. He touched so many people.. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God surround you with His love.
So sorry for your loss. Bill W. and I are also friends. You both will are added to my prayer.
Dear Chris and family. I am so saddened to hear of Dan’s passing. Your lives will be forever changed but I hope you take comfort knowing that he was a good man and helped so many. My deepest sympathy to you. Michaela
Dan and I became friends at the Millard Club one day several years ago when I was in early recovery. We got to talking about Holy Name and the old neighborhood. He was older, so we didn’t run in the same kick-the-can circles, but there is a special bond between people who grew up in Holy Name back in the day. For some reason, he began to tell me a story about his father. He’d grown up watching his father struggle before his father found the rooms. When he did start his journey into recovery, he sponsored people, and one of those was a businessman from the South, who had come to Omaha for rehab.
Sign Guestbook