A celebration, of what his many friends and family members agree was a “life well lived”, will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 24, 2020 for Thomas A. Hogarty, a highly visible, always smiling and warm-hearted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Tom Hogarty, 82, died unexpectedly April 15, 2020 of complications following a heart attack at his northeast Scottsdale, Ariz. home where he and his wife, Donna, lived.
A proud New Yorker, Tom was born February 20, 1938 in Queens, NYC. After graduation from La Salle Military Academy in Oakdale, NY, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1955-62. He was a graduate of St. John’s University in NYC and later earned a master’s degree from New York University in 1964.
Tom worked as a newspaper reporter in Washington, D.C. and later, was Editor of New York Construction News, NYC 1966-73. In 1974 he started his own Public Relations firm specializing in the construction industry.
After relocating to North San Diego County in 1987, he continued his focus helping clients in the construction industry. In 1997 Tom launched the highly successful Engineering and General Contractor Association’s (EGCA) magazine and served as its Editor and Publisher for 17 years. He was also Editor and Publisher of the Awards Journal for the Concrete Industry Board, NYC for 12 years as well as for the Concrete Industry Foundation, NYC for 10 years.
Tom’s San Diego community service included many years as an active member and song leader and 1998-99 president of the Rotary Club of Escondido as well as president in 2012-13 of the Escondido After Five Rotary Club. He also served as Chairman 2008-09 of the Escondido Chamber of Commerce. Tom’s community service extended beyond leadership roles. He worked as a volunteer in many charitable events; and blessed with his gift and love of music, he also was lead singer in two barbershop quartets.
Following his move to Scottsdale, Ariz. in 2014, Tom was Publisher's Representative for the AZ Contractor and Community magazine, Phoenix. Tom retired in 2019.
In his personal life, Tom proudly described himself as a “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” in keeping with his favorite song. In his spare time, with Donna always at his side, he enjoyed reading non-fiction biographies and history books, composing and singing clever parodies, playing the ukulele, attending the Diamondback games and lots of singing.
In addition to his wife, Donna, and greyhound mix, HoneyBear, Tom is deeply missed by his three daughters in New York: Naomi Collins (Kyle), Kathleen Hogarty and Sarah Gentry; a daughter, Nicole Macias (Nicholas) in San Francisco, Calif.; six grandchildren - Ella, Quentin, Oakley, Hannah, Connor, Charlie Danger and a great grandson, Colton. He was preceded in death by his twin brother, John; and a daughter, Claire-Marie.
Nicole, the youngest daughter, on behalf of her and her sisters, said "We are heartbroken and unable to picture a world without him....his quick wit, unparalleled humor, his songs and smiles....but the 'show' must go on."
“Tommy would want his family and friends to ‘always look at the bright side of life (whistle)’ .... just as he did. His was a life well lived." said Donna. ‘Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?’ “Till we meet again, my Yankee Doodle Dandy.” xo
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