Stop Me If You’ve Heard This Song Before

It is perhaps only fitting that a man as warm and loving as Tom Hogarty passed away from complications following a heart attack. His heart was so big and he brought so many people so much joy and love. It is also fitting that he passed away on April 15th, Tax Day. Leave it to Tom to figure out a very clever way to stick it to the IRS.

In remembering him, although we are heartbroken and unable to picture a world without his songs and smiles, we promise to keep this light and remember him fondly, because that is what he would have wanted. In fact, he’d love for us to tell you that “he’s expired and gone to meet his maker … he’s shuffled off this mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the bleedin' choir invisible!”^† just to see if you’re paying attention and if you have a sense of humor.

Of course, Tom’s sense of humor was like no other. He had a quick, dry wit and could find a way to laugh or bring a smile to your face even in the darkest of situations. He remembered to celebrate birthdays, firsts, and anniversaries. He remembered to check in on people, mostly because he had his day planner, spiral notebook, and no less than 5 pens on him at any given time. Blessed with the gift of music, he found a way to channel his humor into parody song writing. There are far too many to list here, but he serenaded his daughters, grandchildren, his wife, unsuspecting wait staff and 100s of rotary guest speakers. There are even songs for boring travel destinations and people he despised (looking at you, crooked politicians).

In keeping with his slightly morbid sense of humor, he often read obituaries providing unsolicited critiques. He appreciated a creative flair, those that were lighthearted and upbeat. Still, we’d be remiss if we didn’t at least note all of the many loved ones he leaves behind to grieve this enormous loss, and who cannot be together at present to celebrate such a wonderful soul. To quote one of his favorite lines from It’s a Wonderful Life (you’ll have to imagine the Jimmy Stewart impression):

Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?

Tom is deeply missed by his three New York daughters, Naomi, Kathleen, and Sarah as well as his youngest daughter, Nicole, in San Francisco, and his son-in-laws Nicholas Macias and Kyle Collins. Papa Tom/Poppop will also be mourned by his great grandson, Colton and grandchildren Oakley, Ella, Hannah, Quentin, Connor, and Charlie Danger.

Tom was preceded in death by his twin brother John, and beloved daughter, Claire Marie. He always said he wasn’t afraid of dying because he knew he’d be able to see them both again.

Tom’s loving wife Donna was by his side until the very end, who thoughtfully sang him off the stage and into the sunset.

Thomas Hogarty was a proud New Yorker, born in Queens, New York in 1938. He was a graduate of La Salle Military Academy, and he proudly served in the US Army Reserves from 1955 to 1962. He graduated from St John’s College then earned his Master’s from New York University in 1964. He was a newspaper reporter, magazine feature writer and editor. He started his own PR firm in 1974. He relocated to California in 1987, eventually making a name for himself in Escondido as Chairman of the Escondido Chamber of Commerce, President (and songleader) of two Rotary Clubs, and singing lead in two barbershop quartets. He met his wife and soulmate, Donna at a Rotary District Conference. In 2014 they relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona to live out his all-too-short golden years. Tom (finally) retired from the PR biz in 2019.

Thomas, Daddy, PapaTom, Tommy, Poppop, or as he was known to most of you … just Tom. We know the show must go on, but it will simply never be the same quality production without you.

A celebration of life will be planned for Tom in Scottsdale, AZ in September 2020. As were his wishes, his ashes will be scattered in the places he loved the very most: New York, Arizona, and San Francisco. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you do something he loved to do: donate blood, call someone to check in, write a story, pick up the Ukulele, sing out loud and remember … always look on the bright side of life (whistle).^†