Key Facts
- Ring owner
- Maura Mundy, daughter of late Judge Hugh Mundy
- Finder
- Rich Hageney, metal detectorist from Downingtown
- Location
- Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
- Ring description
- Gold 1962 King's College class ring with initials 'H.F.M.'
- Return time
- Within a day of discovery
Background
Maura Mundy, 56, a state administrative law judge from Palmyra, has worn her late father's gold 1962 King's College class ring as a cherished keepsake since his death in May 2023. Her father, Hugh Mundy, served as a Luzerne County judge from 1991 to May 2010 and later as a senior judge.
On Sunday, while swimming in the ocean at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Maura lost the ring. Her 85-year-old mother, Rita Mundy, had warned her moments earlier not to lose it. Maura recalled, "My mother said, 'Don't lose daddy's ring in the ocean.' As soon as I got in the water, I lost the ring. I was devastated."
The ring had never fallen off before. Maura's father had also lost his wedding ring in the ocean on his honeymoon in Puerto Rico, and she feared she would never see her ring again.
Current Situation
Rich Hageney, a metal detectorist from Downingtown with a family second home in Lewes, Delaware, found the ring while scanning the beach. He described it as "this massive, beautiful gold class ring" and posted about it on a Facebook page for Rehoboth Beach and Lewes.
Hageney researched King's College and assumed it was from the Wilkes-Barre school, not the one in London. He emailed the alumni office and received dozens of tips. A King's College Class of 1960 graduate contacted him and, after Hageney revealed the initials "H.F.M." inscribed inside, identified the owner as Hugh F. Mundy.
Hageney found Mundy's 2023 obituary and contacted his son, Hugh M. Mundy, a law professor in Chicago. The son alerted his sister, Maura, and the ring was returned to her while she was still in Rehoboth Beach.
| Name | Role | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Maura Mundy | Daughter | Lost ring while swimming |
| Hugh Mundy | Late father | Judge, King's College class of 1962 |
| Rich Hageney | Finder | Metal detectorist from Downingtown |
| Rita Mundy | Mother | Warned Maura not to lose ring |
| Hugh M. Mundy | Brother | Law professor in Chicago |
Impacts
Maura Mundy expressed amazement at the effort: "My father's name is not on the ring, so it's amazing this guy would go through all the trouble of investigating it and returning it." She called Hageney an "angel" and said he refused any compensation.
Hageney, who has a profile on theringfinders.com, said, "Something like this I would never accept anything for. This is something I just like to do."
Maura was visiting the beach with her daughter, Ryann, and her mother, Rita, who still lives in Drums. She said her mother still gets local newspapers and will be surprised to read about the story.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the ring remains in Maura's possession, she may continue to wear it as a remembrance of her father, though she may take extra precautions while swimming.
Hageney may continue his metal detecting hobby, and his success could encourage others to report found items, potentially leading to more reunions.
The story may inspire similar acts of kindness, but whether it leads to broader changes in how lost items are returned remains unclear.
Source: citizensvoice.com
