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Richard Egan Obituary

EGAN Ambassador Richard J. Egan, founder and Chairman Emeritus of EMC Corp. and former United States Ambassador to Ireland, passed away Friday at his home after a battle with lung cancer. He was 73. Born in Dorchester, he was the son of the late Constance and Kenneth Egan. Mr. Egan rose from humble roots to become a leader of the American technology and business sectors, founding EMC in 1979 and turning it into a global leader in data storage software and hardware with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. Mr. Egan resided in Hopkinton for many years, until recently moving to Boston and Boca Raton, Florida. After graduating in 1953 from Boston Technical High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age 17, serving as a helicopter Crew Chief during the Korean War. After returning from service, Mr. Egan received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1961 from Northeastern University. He remained dedicated to Northeastern throughout his life, serving as a Trustee for many years. The university honored him and his wife in 1996 with the naming of The Maureen and Richard J. Egan Engineering and Science Research Center. Mr. Egan did graduate work at MIT's Draper Laboratory as part of the team that developed the Apollo guidance system. In 1994, Mr. Egan was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Inc. Magazine. He was also named New England's Master Entrepreneur of the year, and received many other honors and awards for his business leadership and philanthropic efforts. In 2001, Mr. Egan was appointed Ambassador to Ireland by President George W. Bush, serving until 2003. Mr. Egan supported numerous charities and causes throughout his lifetime, such as the Boy Scouts of America, Children's Hospital, UMASS-Memorial Healthcare, and numerous educational institutions. He also established the Hopkinton Technology for Education Foundation. Dick is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Maureen (Fitzgerald) Egan. He was the loving father of John Egan and his wife Pamela, Michael Egan and his wife Donna, Maureen Petracca and her husband Paul, Christopher Egan and his wife Jean, Catherine Walkey and her husband Rod. Mr. Egan was also the devoted grandfather to 15 grandchildren and is also survived by his sister Beverly Egan, many nieces and nephews, in-laws, and good friends. In remembering Dick, his wife Maureen said, “I am greatly saddened and will miss him terribly, but he'll always be with me.” Family and close friends are invited to a memorial gathering on Wednesday, September 2 from 4:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. at the Orchard Barn on Country Way in Hopkinton. A public service will be held Thursday, September 3 with Visitation from 4:00 P.M.-5:30 P.M. at EMC Corporation, 21 Coslin Drive, Southborough, MA. A Memorial Service will follow at 5:30 P.M. Burial will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Chesmore Funeral Home of HOPKINTON. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com

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Published by Boston Herald on Aug. 30, 2009.

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April 11, 2015

Tough break.

Ellen Smith

September 10, 2009

May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back.May the sun shine warm upon your face. May the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand.

May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back.May the sun shine warm upon your face.May the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand.

September 3, 2009

To the Egan Family;

Beginning my employment with EMC in 1997, and at that time having more than 3000 employees, I was shocked to run into a very kind and happy man in the cafeteria one day. He and I spent some time talking about the company, and what it had to offer. To my absolute and complete shock, the man I was speaking to was none other than Dick Egan. I have spent many years at EMC since that day, and have not looked back since.

Dick was always wandering the hallways, and thought nothing of stopping and talking to whomever he chose to and whenever he chose to. Always a smile, a sarcastic kind word and a personality that is nothing short of infections.

The world has lost one of it's greats, I am deeply saddened by his demise, and express my absolute heartfelt sympathy to Maureen, the children and the grand children.

I must also add after attending his memorial service this evening in Southboro, there were many occasions where I felt extremely proud to be in the room with his family and children. The presentation was incredible and moving.

Thank you again Dick for opportunities that I would never have had without your hard work, dedication and vision.

Sincerely,

Glenn May

Glenn May

September 3, 2009

To the Egan Family;

Beginning my employment with EMC in 1997, and at that time having more than 3000 employees, I was shocked to run into a very kind and happy man in the cafeteria one day. He and I spent some time talking about the company, and what it had to offer. To my absolute and complete shock, the man I was speaking to was none other than Dick Egan. I have spent many years at EMC since that day, and have not looked back since.

Dick was always wandering the hallways, and thought nothing of stopping and talking to whomever he chose to and whenever he chose to. Always a smile, a sarcastic kind word and a personality that is nothing short of infections.

The world has lost one of it's greats, I am deeply saddened by his demise, and express my absolute heartfelt sympathy to Maureen, the children and the grand children.

I must also add after attending his memorial service this evening in Southboro, there were many occasions where I felt extremely proud to be in the room with his family and children. The presentation was incredible and moving.

Thank you again Dick for opportunities that I would never have had without your hard work, dedication and vision.

Sincerely,

Glenn May

Steve Halzel

September 3, 2009

To the entire Egan family,

This is truly a sad day in history. My deepest sympathies for your loss and the loss of a great man. He was by far the biggest influence in my career (EMC from 1987 to 1997). I will always remember his calls, "Hey Halzel, this is your ol-man...". He touched the lives of so many. He will be missed and remembered...

Eileen Greene

September 3, 2009

I worked at EMC from 1993 to 2003. As a brand new employee, I received a note from Dick after launching Sales Advantage. Then I got one from Jack, too! I still have them both. The EMC culture that Dick Egan cultivated was precious. Every employee mattered. Every employee was valued. Every employee had the opportunity to truly achieve. We all knew it. We all felt it. We believed in EMC. And EMC believed in us. That's why we worked so hard. Motivating? You bet. Challenging? Absolutely. It was the learning laboratory of a lifetime! Thank you, Dick Egan, for putting all of that in place and for caring about the people and families of EMC, too. Your footprints are in the hearts, and professional lives, and career paths of many many people all over the world. Rest in peace and God bless.

P.S. Say hi to Jeff for us. :)

Peter Capozzi

September 1, 2009

I am an EMC employee working out of Tampa. I was priviledged to meet Dick a few years back and I am proud to be a part of the EMC family. Where we were in 1998 when I joined the company from DEC to where we are today is amazing. We all owe a big thanks to Dick for creating EMC and providing many of us a career that has been nothing short of amazing. RIP Dick.

Beth Stanton

September 1, 2009

To the entire Egan family,

I was shocked to read about Dick's passing. It's been many, many years since I've worked at EMC, but I always reflect back to what a great place it was to work. Most of that was because of Dick and his work ethic. My deepest sympathies to all of you. I know how hard it is to loose a loved one to cancer, my mother also passed from lung cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Dr. Mary English

September 1, 2009

I was employed at EMC in the mid-to-late 80's, and will always remember fondly a time or two when Dick (always Dick, never Mr. Egan) would come by and toss the football in my direction, even if I had to drop a soldering iron to catch it! He was a nice man, and so engaged with his employees.
My most sincere sympathy to all of the Egan family for your loss.

August 31, 2009

To the Eagan Family:

I wanted to express my sincere sympathy in your loss. I will remember you in my prayers. I thank Dick and the family for all the support given to me and my organization, when customers would request Dick's presence. It always made a difference to the customer and to me.

Sincerely,
Bob Barboza

August 31, 2009

Our Son Donald Watson prior to his death with lung cance talked about Mr Eagon very often. They had worked together for many year. Mrs. Eagon and family we are sorry to hear of your loss our prayers will be with you.
Bill & Jacquie Watson

Matthew McGrath

August 31, 2009

My deepest sympathies to the Egan family. The Ambassador was a good friend to my late father and was kind enough to write a gracious letter of recommendation for me for an important position. Semper Fi and God Bless for a great American

Susan Watson

August 31, 2009

Dear Maureen,

I’m so overwhelmed to hear about your loss. Dick was a great man of strength and character who gave my late husband the opportunity to achieve his goals at EMC and for this I will be forever grateful to him.

To you and your family I’m so grateful for all your support and kindness. You are a wonderful family and I pray you find strength through the coming days.

Please know you are in my prayers and thoughts.

Mrs. Donald Watson

Lisa Rubini UA79

August 31, 2009

To Maureen Petracca, Mrs. Egan, and the entire Egan family,

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

susan chamberlain

August 31, 2009

To the Egan family, I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, always. Susan Ann Gurry Chamberlain

My mother is Donna Egan

martha hodgens

August 31, 2009

Maureen and family sorry for your great loss, my prayers are with you.

Sandy Arena-Campo

August 30, 2009

To the Egan Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. It has been many years since I have seen Dick, but I have so many wonderful memories (which I still speak of often) of our time together in the late 80's and early 90's when we all worked together in the EMC Hopkinton office. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. I know how loved he is and how sorely Dick will be missed by all of his family and friends.

August 30, 2009

Dear Maureen and family : Please know that you have our deepest sympathy and prayers duing this difficult time.May your fond memories and family provide you comfort in the days ahead.
Bob and Gloria Noble

Barbara Willette

August 30, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dick receiving his award at 2000 CLT dinner

August 30, 2009

Chip Ford

August 30, 2009

"Citizens for Limited Taxation's Warren T. Brookes Award recipient this year, Dick Egan, founder and chairman of EMC Corporation and a longtime CLT "John Hancock" supporter and "Sam Adams" activist, was both gracious and inspirational. And even though we promised him that he wouldn't have to give a speech, his perspective and words of encouragement were warmly received and appreciated." -- May, 2000

Dick, thanks up there for your support over the years and your inspiration. You will be missed by many. My sincere condolences to Mrs. Egan, son Chris, and the rest of his family.

Dennis Bishop & Family

August 30, 2009

Maureen, Jack, Petracca & Maureen & family.

I was shocked to read this today. I fondly remember my days at EMC working for Dick/Jack/Petracca/Ruettgers & especially Don O'Bryant. Frankly, in all my career those days were the most rewarding, exciting and amazing.

Dick was the friend of the hardworking rank & file and never one to mince words. I still tell his story of the wall street analysts that he recited at a qtrly. I fondly recall the family gatherings at the cape and how genuine & gracious he and Maureen both were.

The world has truly lost another good guy. Although, I can't imagine Dick & Ted Kennedy on the escalator going up..boy would I love to hear that conversation!

Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to all with Dick's passing as you prepare to celebrate Dick's life. I also take the liberty (Jack & Paul - see I haven't changed ;-) to extend the condolences of Don & Beulah O'Bryant as I have stayed in touch with this warrior but alas he too is battling advanced dementia but I know if he could he would be amongst the first in line at the Orchard Barn as he always spoke highly of Dick (and rightly so).

Again, my sincerest condolences to the family in time of their loss.

Marcel & Jack Guido

August 30, 2009

Dear Maureen and Family,
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to all of you. What a great husband, father, grandfather and for us, a great friend. Dick will be sadly missed but he will always be remembered for his wit, charm and humor( and his story telling). We are so blessed to have known you two!

Barbara Anderson

August 30, 2009

We have lost a great man and a great American, one who "walked with kings nor lost the common touch"; I knew him for years before I knew he "had money", as we talked politics at various events! Later he became a good friend of Citizens for Limited Taxation and accepted our "Warren T. Brookes 'Economy in Mind'" award, reflecting his giant contributions to the spirit of entrepreneurial achievement and liberty.

Joyce Burns

August 30, 2009

To the Egan Family. So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Harvey Bloom

August 30, 2009

Please accept my condolences to all the Egan family. I am shocked and saddened by his passing. I have known Richard from Northeastern University and Computer Control Co., and reminisced with him recently as he was in good humor at a 3C reunion. I enjoyed his book about lawyers that he sent me. Richard was a true entrepreneur and although he will be missed, his memory and deeds will live on as a tribute to his life.

Harry Pritoni

August 30, 2009

Dear Maureen and family,
We are out of town and will be unable to make the services for Dick, but as a former EMC employee from 1990 to 2001 I was fortunate enough to have had several converstaions with Dick. I am happy to have been able to thank him for creating the opportunity to have worked at EMC during those years of explosive growth.
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.
Harry and Nancy Pritoni

Barry Bosak

August 30, 2009

I remember Dick as a dynamic entrepreneur who knew that he had developed a leading edge product. He was also a great marketer, convincing customers that his product would help them. He was the type of person who could energize an audience of Wall Street investors.

Anne Wayland & Joe (Red ) O'Hara

August 30, 2009

Maureen, Catherine and other members of the Egan family... Our deepest sympathy for your loss.. You're in our thoughts and prayers...

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