Ronald E. Egan

PETERSHAM- Dr. Ronald E. Egan, 75, of Petersham died unexpectedly Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at home. He was born on November 1, 1941 in Paterson, New Jersey, the son of Raymond F. Egan and Edna (Furnival) Egan. He grew up in Haledon and Franklin Lakes, New Jersey and graduated from Ramapo Regional High School in Franklin Lakes in 1959. He attended Rutgers University, majoring in Pre-Med. While at Rutgers, he lettered in football and was a member of the crew team. He received his Doctorate from Boston University School of Medicine in 1971. His post-graduate training was in General and Peripheral Vascular Surgery at Boston City Hospital, St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester City Hospital, and Presbyterian Hospital and Mercy Catholic Hospital in Philadelphia. He later specialized as a Vascular Surgeon and worked under C. Everett Koop at the Philadelphia Children's Hospital. He was a veteran of the Army Reserves. Dr. Egan loved taking care of people and his patients appreciated his compassion and kindness. He worked at several area hospitals and institutions. Dr. Egan found his true calling as a country doctor, owning his practice and treating patients in Athol for 35 years. Dr. Egan loved football. Knowing he would not be able to play football forever, he dreamed of one day being a team physician. Dr. Egan realized this goal in 1982 when he was appointed physician for the Athol-Royalston Regional School District. He had great respect for the team’s coaches who were so dedicated to their players, teaching them football skills while developing positive character traits. He enjoyed raising animals, gardening and hunting. He was an avid reader who enjoyed conversation and sharing stories on a wide range of interests. He leaves his loving partner of 35 years, Ann Powers of Athol; two brothers, Raymond Egan and his wife Patricia of Sparta, New Jersey, and Randy Egan and his wife Judy of Vernon, New Jersey; three nephews, Billy, Thomas and Kevin Egan, two nieces, Kathleen Sudol and Doreen Patten, and nine great nephews and nieces, and his loyal secretary/assistant, Cindy Stimson. He was predeceased by a brother, Robert Egan, and by a sister, Kathleen Egan. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 11 AM in the Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road, Orange. Burial will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery, Athol. Calling hours will be held Monday, January 16, 2017 from 4 to 6 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made in his memory to the Athol-Royalston Athletic Association, c/o Donna Lajoie, 2363 Main Street, Athol, MA 01331. To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road, Orange is directing arrangements.