Robert Dinsmore Hagerty was born on May 12, 1942, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Robert Jones Hagerty and Dorothy Meeker. He spent his formative years growing up in Burbank, California, where he built lifelong friendships and developed many of the values that would define his life.
After a brief enrollment in college in California, Robert chose to enlist in the United States Army, demonstrating his dedication to service and adventurous spirit. While stationed in Paris, France, he formed strong friendships and encountered missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This sparked a deep spiritual journey that led to his baptism and a lifetime of devoted faith.
Upon returning home, Robert enrolled at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he met the love of his life, Martha D’Arc—who, in a sweet twist of fate, had grown up just a few miles from him in Glendale, California. They married and started a beautiful life together, raising five children: Robert Daniel, Aaron Dean, Kathleen Bess, Maureen Anne, and Jeannine Louise.
Robert had a passion for finance and numbers, earning a degree in accounting and proudly passing the CPA exam. He began his career in San Francisco before relocating to Southern California, where he became a partner in a private CPA firm that would become Woolley, French, Hagerty, and Stevens. Based in Santa Monica, the firm was highly respected, and Robert’s professionalism and integrity earned him admiration from colleagues and clients alike throughout his nearly 30-year career there.
A man of deep faith, Robert remained an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life. He served faithfully in numerous leadership roles, including as a bishop, where his kindness, wisdom, and quiet strength touched hundreds of lives. He was deeply committed to helping others and to living a Christlike life.
Robert was also a devoted father, instilling in his children the values of hard work, integrity, and faith that he lived by. He was a constant example of love and responsibility, and he worked tirelessly to provide for his family, both spiritually and materially.
In retirement, Robert and Martha relocated to Utah Valley, where he found joy in the peace of the mountains, family gatherings, and quiet moments of reflection. Even in his final weeks, Robert continued to share generously and serve those around him, offering kindness and compassion to all who knew him.
Robert passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on July 15, 2025, in Payson, Utah. His greatest pride and joy was his family—five children, eleven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren will carry his memory forward with gratitude and love.
Robert will be buried with his wife, Martha, in the Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park, Bluffdale. For those interested in joining, a memorial service will be held at 10 AM, on August 25, 2025, in the Veterans Cemetery chapel. Following the service, there will be military honors and the dedication of the grave.
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