Mark Hegarty was awarded the Good Neighbor award by the Pope’s Hill Civic Association at the group’s monthly meeting last Wed., Oct. 23. Hegarty grew up near St. Mark’s Parish and moved to Neponset when he married his wife Noreen and started a family. Hegarty is one of five children born to the late John and Betty Hegarty, who were Irish immigrants. Mark and Noreen have three boys: Conor, Cian and Cullen. 

“We want to present this plaque to Mark in recognition of his extraordinary efforts on behalf of his neighbors to preserve and maintain quality of life,” said John Schneiderman, president of Pope’s Hill Civic Association. “Mark epitomizes all that a community leader should be. Thank you for your tireless commitment to the greater Neponset community.”

“[Mark] has been a ten year member of our civic group,” added Schneiderman. “He’s volunteered at so many organizations in Dorchester.”  

Patrick Fandel from Mayor Walsh’ office also presented Hegarty with a certificate of recognition signed by the mayor. It read: “On behalf of the City of Boston, thank you for your hard work and dedication to the Dorchester Community.”

“Giving back is very important to Mark. It’s what he does,” said Noreen Hegarty, his wife. “I believe the importance of volunteering and giving back was something he learned from his parents. Those same values have been passed down to our three sons. If Mark is not home, he is helping someone.” 

Hegarty was also presented with an official resolution from City Councillor Annissa Essaibi-George and Councillor Frank Baker. 

Hegarty volunteers as a coach of Dorchester Youth Soccer, Saint Ann’s CYO basketball and Cedar Grove Baseball- to name a few. He also volunteers at the Leahy-Holloran Community Center, the Dorchester Running Club, the Martin Richard Foundation.