Original Dublin Councilmember Pete Hegarty Dies at Age 76

Information from the City of Dublin:

Pete Hegarty, one of Dublin’s first City Councilmembers, who was also instrumental in Dublin’s 1982 incorporation, passed away on February 26th, near his home in Gig Harbor, Washington. In his memory, the City of Dublin will fly its flag at half-staff until end-of-business day on Friday, March 22.

[Related article: City of Dublin Celebrates 30 Years]

City Historian Georgean Vonheeder-Leopold served on the City Council with Mr. Hegarty for over six years. She provided the following tribute in his honor:

"Pete was born in Oakland, California on July 3, 1936. He went to school in Oakland, and met and married his wife Rosalie. In 1962, they moved to Dublin. Right from the beginning, Pete was passionate about our history. He was one of the founding members of the Dublin Historical Preservation Association that cared for the old Murray School between 1975 and 1995 when DHPA gave the schoolhouse to the city. For years, he, his family, and a work force of the new pioneers of Dublin worked to keep the school standing. Until the day he left town, that passion never died.

He was also concerned for the future of Dublin. He and his friend, former councilmember Dave Burton, spent days at the county offices in Hayward and Oakland, keeping watch over what was developing in our little town. Pete worked graveyard and Dave was a realtor, which gave them very flexible schedules.

Pete’s passion for history didn’t subside when his company, Southern Pacific, moved him to Washington in July of 1993. He and Ro bought a beautiful home in Gig Harbor. He stayed close to friends here, but very quickly talked himself into the Gig Harbor Community. Pete was quite a talker. When he finally retired, he became very active in the Gig Harbor Museum. Lately, he had been working with the historical society to restore an historic Fishing Boat named the Shenandoah.

I served with Pete for 6 ½ years on the City Council. I always found him to be a kind, loyal friend, up front, and totally devoted to our community. Dublin has lost one of its founding fathers. He will be deeply missed."

Editor's Note:

Hegarty was honored at the Dublin City Council meeting on Tuesday night.