Dennis Eagan

1942 - 2013

Dennis J. Eagan

Staatsburg - Dennis J. Eagan, 70, a lifetime resident of Dutchess County, died at home on Monday, January 28th with his loving wife, Susan, beloved daughter, Tracie and his faithful companions, dogs Gwynnie and Merlin at his side. He entered into rest peacefully with snow gently falling outside his window. Dennis was diagnosed in July 2012 with a GBM brain tumor.

Dennis was born in Beacon, NY on June 4, 1942. His parents, John Eagan and Patricia Dziadik Eagan, predeceased him. Dennis graduated from Beacon High School Class of 1960. He earned his BCHE degree from RPI in 1964. He continued his education and earned a MSIA degree from Union College, and the ChFC and CLU designations from the American College. The majority of his work career was with IBM in the areas of Reliability and Quality for components and systems. After retirement, Dennis was a tax preparer for H & R Block in Poughkeepsie.

Dennis was active in local ice hockey as the President of the Dutchess Youth Hockey Association and as a referee for 16 years. In later years, Dennis was once again involved with hockey through his grandson, Shane Fitzpatrick's participation as a hockey player. He very much enjoyed taking photos of Shane playing, watching and cheering him on. Even throughout his illness, he was able to watch Shane play through live webcasts.

He was an avid fan of the New York Giants football team, New York Rangers Hockey team, and the 2012 World Series Champions, the San Francisco Giants baseball team. Willie Mays was his hero.

Dennis volunteered for numerous organizations and committees throughout his lifetime, such as a PTA member for Overlook Elementary School in Poughkeepsie, NY, President of the Friends of the Staatsburg Library for 20 years, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Therapy Dog Program at St. Francis Hospital, the AARP Tax Aide Program, the Hyde Park Zoning Board of Appeals and the Staatsburg Spirit Day.

As his family and friends know, Dennis loved to make and give away jam every year since the 1970's. For many of those years, Dennis entered his jam into the Dutchess County Fair and the NYS Fair where he has received numerous ribbons. At the August 2012 Dutchess County Fair, Dennis not only won a blue ribbon for his Strawberry Jam but also received the Chairman's Choice Award.

On August 24, 1991, he married Susan (McPeck) Eagan at the Dutchess Manor in Beacon, NY. She survives at home.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by his beloved daughter, Tracie (Eagan) Fitzpatrick, beloved son in law, Timothy Fitzpatrick, and beloved grandson, Shane Fitzpatrick, all of Gilbert, AZ; sister, Kathleen Eagan of Beacon; brother, Roger Eagan of Oregon; sister, Ellen Eagan of Milbrae, California; brother, Richard Eagan of Damariscotta, Maine; Godmother, Jean Arnold of Denver, Colorado; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his son, Thomas J. Eagan in 1993.

Dennis' illness was physically debilitating, but throughout this journey it never changed who he was; a kind, gentle, compassionate, patient, generous and loving man to all.

It was very evident the gentleman that he was and the lives he touched through the outstanding support from family members, friends, community and caregivers.

Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm, Monday, February 4th at Sweet's Funeral Home, Inc., Rte. 9, Hyde Park.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am, Tuesday, February 5th at St. Paul's Church, Mulford Ave., Staatsburg.

Burial will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery, Poughkeepsie.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (checks payable to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation): Great Strides 2013, Team-Friends of Eric and Jena, PO Box 5004, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741-5004 or to The Friends of the Staatsburg Library, PO Box 219, Staatsburg, NY 12580 in memory of Dennis Eagan.

To send a condolence or for directions, please visit sweetsfuneralhome.com.