Obituary of Francis W. Hagerty

Francis W. “Red” Hagerty, retired owner of Fresh Pond Fruit passed away peacefully after a short illness on Thursday morning, October 18, 2018.  He was 82 years old.  Red was born in Boston.  He was the son of Irish immigrants, Martin and Bridget Hagerty.  He grew up in Cambridge and Somerville.  From a very early age, he had an unselfish demeanor and a strong work ethic.  While his friends were playing, he was working, helping his family to get by.  His “Family Comes First” mantra guided him throughout his entire life.  His career in the fruit and produce business began at an early age; peddling on a street corner and eventually opening his own store, “Fresh Pond Fruit” in the 1970’s.  He took pride in providing his customers with the best, freshest, high-quality produce in the area.  He willed his business to succeed so that he could be the best provider to his wife and son.  Despite the long days at work, he always made time for his family and being a part of the important events in their lives.  He was a devoted husband to his wife Margaret for 34 years.  He simply wanted her to be happy.  They shared so many wonderful memories together as a couple and as parents.  They took vacations in Maine, Florida, Disney, and countless other destinations.  Red was heartbroken when Margaret passed in 2001. He took some comfort in visiting her grave every Sunday for the last decade.  In his son, Matt’s mind, he was the best father ever.  He was always there to support, encourage, and love him unconditionally.  Red was always on the sidelines for football and baseball games.  Red happily welcomed his daughter-in-law Jennifer into his family like the daughter he never had.  He couldn’t have been any happier when he became a grandfather.  Red cherished every moment he had with Conor and Ryan.  They always brightened his day.  His family will always remember the thoughtfulness, kindness, and love he shared with all them during his life.  Red enjoyed sharing time with his great circle of friends.  He was a longtime member of the Towanda Club in Woburn where he was the man to beat at the card game, “Gin.” 

Red was the beloved husband of the late Margaret Mary (Duffy).  He was the loving father of Matthew & his wife Jennifer of Tolland, CT.  He was the proud grandfather of Conor Francis and Ryan James Hagerty of Tolland, CT.  Brother of Mary Sullivan of Somerville and Martin Joseph Hagerty of Lexington.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, Oct 22 from 4-8 p.m. at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side). Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home on Tuesday Oct. 23 at 11 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at noon. Services will conclude with a burial in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. Memorials in Francis’s name may be made to the ASPCA at www.aspca.org. For directions, obituary & online guestbook see www.stmargaretburlington.org or www.sullivanfuneralhome.net