J. Michael Egan

J. Michael Egan, 59, of Gardner, died September 2, 2008 at UMASS Medical Center, Memorial Campus, Worcester, after having suffered head injuries at his home on August 18.

He leaves his wife of 34 years, Cathleen M. (Durand) Egan; his most beloved daughter, Caitlin Dupre and her compassionate loving husband Michael; and his most cherished son and best friend Benjamin. He also leaves his brothers, Kevin and his wife Joan of St. Augustine, FL, John and his wife Michelle of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Thomas and his wife Sharon of Dayville, CT and his sister, Ann Roberts and her husband Randy of Center Barnstead, NH. He leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins, his aunt Dorothy Savage of Warwick, RI as well as a vast network of close and caring friends, including his 45-year far-flung RI friends, Mark Clary of San Raphael, CA, Craig Reinarman of Santa Cruz, CA and Tom Reilley of Hilton Head, SC. Mike will be greatly missed by his devoted and constant canine companion Nell.

Born in Providence, RI on November 4, 1948, he was the son of the late Joseph and Elaine Egan. He graduated from Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, RI where he excelled on their golf team. He was a 1970 cum laude graduate of Suffolk University where he also excelled on their golf team.

Michael became a Class A-1 PGA Professional in 1974. He was instrumental in the success of the NEPGA Assistants' Program in its early years and served as its vice president for some years. He worked as an assistant professional at courses in RI for three years before becoming head golf professional at Gardner Municipal Golf Course in 1977. In 1994 Michael won the Bill Strausbaugh Award, which is presented to PGA members who have distinguished themselves in the field of club relations, causing dramatic improvements in employment conditions in their local PGA sections. During his years as a golf professional, Mike held various positions within the NEPGA Section, such as Co-Chair of the Club Relations and Employment Committee; Scholarship Committee member; Executive Committee member of Central MA; and New England Section Vice President.

He was the golf coach of the Gardner High School golf team for many years and his team enjoyed a 16-0 season in 1998, winning the Central Mass Championship. Again in 2002, with his son Ben playing, the Gardner Wildcats captured the Central Mass Championship. He greatly enjoyed working with his young golfers.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Gardner. Michael will be remembered by many for his passionate love for and devotion to the game of golf and its rules; his unwavering fairness, especially in difficult situations; and his impeccable sense of ethics. His devotion to the GMCC is legend. He will be lovingly remembered by his family for his generosity of spirit; his wise guidance; his Irish wit; and his unconditional love and support of whatever endeavors they pursued.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at 11 a.m. in Holy Rosary Church, 105 Nichols St., Gardner. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. All those attending the Mass are asked to go directly to the church. Calling hours will be held on Monday, September 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the John H. Mack Funeral Home, 91 Vernon St., Gardner.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made in Michael's memory to Sacred Heart Church, 166 Cross St., Gardner, MA 01440 or the House of Peace and Education, 20 Barthel Ave, Gardner, MA 01440. The John H. Mack Funeral Home, 91 Vernon St., Gardner is honored with directing the arrangements. For more information or to sign the online guestbook please visit our website at

www.mackfuneralhome.com