Richard D. Hegeman, age 87, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026, in Lakeland, Florida.

Born on August 16, 1939, and raised in Ilion, New York, Dick was the oldest son of Milton Porter Hegeman and Grace Vivian Corbett Hegeman. Growing up in the Mohawk Valley, he developed a strong sense of community and hard work.

A 1957 graduate of Ilion High School, Dick went on to further his education at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY where he earned his bachelor’s degree in economics in 1962.

On August 18, 1962, he married the love of his life, Mary Ahern, at Saint Francis de Sales Church in Herkimer, New York. Following their wedding, the couple settled in Herkimer, where they shared 64 years of devotion, built a beautiful life, and raised their family. Dick was an exceptionally active and devoted member of Saint Francis de Sales, where he was a pillar of the parish community. Notably, he implemented and started the church's bingo program, and he spent many years volunteering his time and talents to assist with the parish school remodeling, the parish fair, and various fundraising events.

Dick was also a dedicated public servant, retiring from a rewarding career with the federal government in 1994. Following his retirement, he and Mary embraced the "snowbird" lifestyle, splitting their time between New York and Lakeland, Florida, for several years before ultimately making Lakeland their permanent home. He was a communicant at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church in Lakeland, Florida.

A man of many talents and passions, Dick loved staying active. He could often be found hitting the links for a round of golf —where he incredibly achieved 11 holes-in-one—working on his latest home improvement project or volunteering his time to community service. He was also an avid card player who deeply cherished any opportunity to sit down for a game with close friends. Above all, his greatest joy was spending quality time surrounded by his family.

Dick was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Milton P. Hegeman and Grace "Viv" Hegeman, and his father-in-law, Fredrick Francis Ahern, and mother-in-law, Madaline Elizabeth Ahern. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; his four children, Kathleen Hegeman Finch (Evan), Kelly Hegeman Canup (Paul), Thomas Hegeman (Terri), and Timothy Hegeman, and daughter-in-law Molly Galloway Hegeman; his 12 grandchildren, Aaron Finch (Emma), Bryan Finch, Colin Finch (Kayla), Madaline Canup Fiocco (David), Samantha Canup, Benjamin Canup, Daniel Hegeman (Kelsie), Andrew Hegeman (Lauren), Joseph Hegeman, Christy Brantley (Geoff), Charles Hegeman, and Reilley Hegeman; and his 13 great-grandchildren, Knox Brantley, Hunter Brantley, Olivia Finch, Sadie Finch, Bristol Finch, Raelyn Finch, Cecelia Fiocco, Karlie Fiocco, Taylor Fiocco, Rowan Fiocco, Reagan Fiocco, Lacey Hegeman, and Mackenzie Hegeman. He also leaves behind his dear sister, Carol Hegeman Byers (late brother-in-law, Robert Byers), and brother, Daniel Hegeman (Terry), along with his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Robert Ahern (Teresa), Carol Ahern Chase (John), John Ahern (Michelle), Joseph Ahern, and many extended family members and close friends who will miss him dearly.

Service Information

 Viewing: Monday, October 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church in Lakeland.

 Eulogy: 10:45 AM, immediately following the viewing.

 Funeral Mass: 11:00 AM at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church. The funeral can be live-streamed at saintacc.com under “Requiem Mass – Richard D. Hegeman”.

 Burial: Following immediately afterward in the Garden of Remembrance at Serenity Gardens.

 Reception: Following the burial, family and friends are invited to a reception in the Clubhouse at Highland Fairways.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church in Lakeland, Florida.