John C. McGehearty

John C. “Jack” McGehearty, Retired Providence Police Detective, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 8, 2025, at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 77 years old.

Jack was born and raised in Providence, the son of the late Frank and Elizabeth (Kelly) McGehearty. Jack graduated from Hope High School in 1966 and honorably served his country in the United States Air Force as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist on the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II jet interceptor. Jack deployed to Vietnam, Korea, Japan, and the Philippines during his tenure in the United States Air Force and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. Jack was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service and the “Gunfighter Extraordinaire” title by the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing Gunfighters of Da Nang.

Upon separation from the military, Jack returned to Rhode Island. On June 25, 1972, Jack was appointed to the Providence Police Department. After serving as a Patrolman, Jack was promoted to Detective, where he served with distinction as a homicide, major crimes, and arson investigator. A lifelong learner, Jack pursued post-secondary education and earned a degree in Criminal Justice from Bryant College. After 27 dedicated years of service, Jack retired from the Providence Police Department in 1999.

Jack continued his law enforcement career as the Chief Investigator of the Medicaid Fraud and Patient Abuse Unit at the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office. Jack proudly served under Attorneys General Sheldon Whitehouse, Patrick C. Lynch, and Peter Kilmartin. Jack retired in 2019 after 20 years of steadfast service to the State of Rhode Island.

Jack’s greatest pride was his family. A devoted husband, Jack,shared 52 joyful and loving years with his wife and companion, Martha (Ashworth) McGehearty. Together, they built a life full of strength, adventure, and enduring love. Jack was an equally devoted father to his sons, Rhode Island State Police Lieutenant Mark D. McGehearty (Stephanie) and Rhode Island State Police Lieutenant Sean P. McGehearty (Katie), and a deeply proud grandfather to Madeline, Abigail, and Jack. His warmth, humor, and wisdom will live forever in their hearts. He is also survived by his sisters Patricia Messier, Mary Rogers Clarke, and Maureen Morel. Jack was predeceased by his brother, Frank McGehearty.

Jack was an accomplished sailor who found happiness and tranquility on the water and at Pleasant Street Wharf in Wickford. Jack twice completed the Bermuda One-Two Yacht Race with his dear friend Stephen Hall and numerous local regattas. When winter set in, Jack looked towards the mountains to pursue alpine skiing. Jack shared these pursuits with his family and friends, creating immeasurable, treasured moments.

Family and friends are warmly invited to honor Jack’s life on Thursday, August 14, 2025, beginning at 8:45 a.m. at Maceroni Funeral Home, 1381 Smith Street, North Providence. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at St. Augustine Church, 639 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence. Interment with Military Honors will follow at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 13,  2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jack’s memory may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. https://t2t.org