Thomas William Hogarty III

Thomas William Hogarty, age 70, formerly of Madison Hollow in Killingworth, died on June 5, 2026, after being diagnosed with bladder cancer last December. He was the loving husband of Lucinda Hill Hogarty for 37 years. Born on September 30, 1955, in Port Jefferson, NY, he was the son of Thomas and Mary Butler Hogarty.

In addition to his wife, Lucinda, Tom is also survived by his children: Brian (Brianna), Michael, Aaron (Shona) Hogarty, Emily Gerson Rosenthal (David), and Hilary Gerson Axtmayer (Alfredo); nine grandchildren; his siblings: Patrick Hogarty, Michael Hogarty, Fran Anderson, and Edy Haynes; and the mother of his sons, Laurie Bergenn.

Tom began a law enforcement career in 1975 with the Stony Brook University Police Department on Long Island, NY, serving as a security officer. In January 1979, he joined the Connecticut State Police as a member of the 90th Training Troop, graduating later that year as a Connecticut State Trooper.

His distinguished state police career included service at Troop D in Danielson; several years as the Andover Resident State Trooper out of Troop K; and assignments as a Detective with the Statewide Narcotics Task Force, including undercover work. In 1991, he was among the first detectives assigned to the newly formed Casino Investigative Unit.

Promoted to Sergeant in 1992, Tom served as patrol supervisor at Troops K (Colchester), D (Danielson), and C (Tolland), and later as supervisor of the Organized Crime Unit. He was promoted to Master Sergeant in 1997 and served as Executive Officer of Troop E in Montville. In 1998, he was promoted to Lieutenant, with assignments in Internal Affairs and Inspections, the Statewide Narcotics Task Force, and as the first Commanding Officer of the Statewide Firearms Trafficking Task Force — a unit he was instrumental in establishing.

Tom retired from the Connecticut State Police in March 2002 after 23 years of dedicated service. He was proud of his work and a strong advocate for the department’s members. Following the September 11, 2001, attacks, he represented the state police at a Connecticut Family Liaison Receiving Center near the World Trade Center site. A gifted marksman, he twice earned the prestigious “Commissioner’s Twenty” designation, recognizing him as one of the top twenty pistol shooters among more than one thousand state police members.

A lifelong learner and avid reader, Tom earned his bachelor’s degree from Charter Oak State College near the end of his state police career and then completed the Connecticut Zoning Enforcement Officer (CAZEO) certification program. An enthusiastic bicyclist, he completed numerous long-distance rides, including a 56 day cross country trip from northeast Connecticut to Washington state in 2007 with his son Brian. He was also a master craftsman whose building and mechanical skills were widely admired, and generously shared with family, friends, and applied at home. He applied those skills to his Bayliner, “Dock Holiday” during a boating phase. He consistently enjoyed working outdoors, meticulously maintaining his surroundings.

Tom’s post-state police career reflected his intellectual curiosity and diverse interests. He served as a zoning enforcement official for Norwich, Wallingford, and North Branford, returned to the Connecticut State Police for a year in the Sex Offender Registry Unit, and worked as a grant specialist for the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA). He also directed Campus Safety at Connecticut College and headed security for a Semester at Sea voyage on the MV Explorer, circumnavigating the globe in three months.

His varied pursuits later took him to Glacier National Park as a "Jammer" Red Bus driver, to the Cape Cod National Seashore as a certified law enforcement park ranger, and to Mt. Sunapee as a weekend ski lift operator, skiing for free weekdays. He took a navigation training course to receive his master captain’s license and credentials for workers in maritime facilities and vessels, volunteered as crew sailing the replica Half Moon on the Hudson, then worked as a crew member on the Fishers Island Ferry. There were even more “cool jobs.” Tom often noted that this eclectic path allowed him to meet interesting people, sparking lifelong friendships he treasured.

Tom strongly believed in volunteer civic service. He served on zoning boards in Brooklyn, Connecticut, and later as an elected member of the Killingworth Planning and Zoning Commission. He served on several other town boards and committees. He was also an active member of the Killingworth Lions Club, taking on tent and Christmas tree fundraising projects. He also volunteered to deliver Meals on Wheels. He was twice honored as Lion of the Year.

Beyond his many accomplishments, Tom was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He attempted various accents, often to the family’s dismay. Though he could not carry a tune, he sang anyway, making sure the listener could identify the song. What brought him the greatest joy, however, was his family. He loved being there to watch his children and grandchildren grow and took immense pride in them.

Tom also held a constant, heartfelt concern for the comfort and well-being of those he loved. He paid close attention to the needs of his family, always looking for ways to make their lives easier, safer, and more comfortable. He gave his time and skills to his children’s homes — fixing what needed fixing, improving what could be better, and adding touches that made each space feel safe, cozy, and bright. His quiet acts of service were expressions of love, leaving lasting imprints on the homes and hearts of the people he cherished.

Donations instead of flowers can be made to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp or Meals on Wheels of the Estuary Council of Seniors.

A celebration of life will be held mid-summer, please check back for updates.