Ronald "Ron" Paul Hegarty, age 83, of Sioux City, Iowa, peacefully passed away on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Holy Spirit Retirement Home, surrounded by his loving family.

Ronald was born in Sioux City to George Joseph Hegarty and Lorene Marie (Ortner) Hegarty. He grew up in Danbury and Sioux City, IA and graduated from Bishop Heelan High School with the Class of 1961.

His life’s greatest story began in the second grade, when he met Carol Ann Alvera Bracht. What started as childhood friendship grew into a lifelong romance. Ten years after their first meeting, they were married. They spent the next 64 beautiful years side-by-side, moving through life with a rare and inspiring synchronicity. Together, they loved to dance the jitterbug, gliding across the floor so effortlessly that they looked like they were one.

While family was the center of his universe, Carol was undeniably the love of his life. Together, they started a family that has since grown into three generations of loving family members. As a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was a steady anchor, providing unwavering support, warmth, and guidance. His proudest achievement was the tight-knit family he and Carol built and nurtured over the decades.

Following his education, Ron built a long and successful career as an accountant. Over the years, his dedication and sharp mind served the Continental Baking Co., Metz Baking Co., and Motor Coach Industries, earning him the respect and friendship of many colleagues before his retirement.

Known for always having a good story or a funny joke, he was always there to gain a smile or give one to lighten the mood. He was an avid golfer and loved hitting the links at Hidden Acres whenever he could. In his 50 years of playing golf, he made many friends and successfully mastered hole number 4 where he had 2 holes in one. He also enjoyed traveling and exploring new places. His favorite trips were the ones that included family. When it came to sports, Ron was a deeply passionate fan, fiercely cheering on his favorite teams: the Chicago Cubs, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Ron channeled his love for sports into his community, spending ten years coaching at Headid Little League Park from 1975 to 1985. Over that decade, he coached the Firemans Club, First National Bank, and Coke teams. His passion for the game and teaching kids the sport he loved had a lasting impact on the development of many young men in Sioux City.

Above all else, Ron enjoyed spending time with his family and instilled that deep love in his children. From brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins, the entire family remains profoundly connected due to the time they spent together growing up. From the annual Memorial Day picnics to weekend gatherings at one of his siblings' houses, they truly grew up as one big, inseparable family. His legacy of love, strength, and family unity will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Carol Ann Hegarty; his six children, Jayna (Scott) Beargeon, Tim (Liz) Hegarty, Pat (Lori) Hegarty, Jeff (Bethany) Hegarty, Brett (Suzi) Hegarty, and Christa (Tom) Shearer; his 20 cherished grandchildren; his 30 adored great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Jeri Kayl, Patsy Abdo, Dan (Kris) Hegarty, Randy (Patricia) Hegarty, Terry (Paula) Hegarty, and Tom (Carol Sue) Hegarty.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lorene; his parents-in-law, Frank and Caroline Bracht; his sister, Judy Hobbs; his brother, Bob Hegarty, his brothers-in-law, Marion Hobbs, Gary Kayl, Don Coulson, Bob Bracht, and Jim Abdo; his sisters-in-law, Linda Bracht, Ella (Snookie) Bracht, Dixie Hegarty; his nephews and nieces, Darrel Kayl, Brian Hobbs, Sara (Hegarty) Dvergsten, Lori (Hobbs) Buckley, and Sean Hegarty; and his great-grandchildren, A.J. Hegarty and Nico Staehle.

Services for Ron will include a Rosary at 4:30 p.m., followed by visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Holy Cross Parish – St. Michael Catholic Church in Sioux City. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. A luncheon and time of fellowship will be held in the Parish Hall following the committal service at the cemetery.