Dr. Edward J. Degnan

Edward Degnan Obituary

Degnan, Dr. Edward J. ORLANDO, Fla. Dr. Edward James Degnan "Jim", died Saturday, August 2, 2008 in Select Specialty Hospital in Orlando. He was a member of Epiphany Catholic Church, Port Orange, Fla. He was a fun golfer and an avid reader. Dr. Degnan was a fellow of the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. He graduated from Holy Cross College and Georgetown University Dental. He practiced maxillofacial surgery for 36 years with the VA system in Houston, Texas, Albany, N.Y. and St. Petersburg, Fla. Survived by wife, Ines "Nessy" Degnan, Port Orange; two sons, Edward Degnan, Oviedo, Fla. and Dr. Michael (Mai) Degnan, Haines City, Fla.; three daughters, Ines (Joseph) Golsan, Bryant, Texas, Ultima (John) Morgan, Lake Mary, Fla. and Mary (Lee) Rogers, Lake Mary; half-brother, Stephen Flynn; 14 grandchildren and three great-grand-children. Services under the direction of Shannon Maloney Funeral Home, 4084 Halifax Dr., Port Orange, FL 32127. Telephone 386-760-9660. Family prefers donations to Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129.

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Published by Albany Times Union on Aug. 5, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Degnan

14 Entries

Michael Degnan

August 31, 2008

My father was born along the coast of Conn. Under his mothers care he learned to love reading. He also developed a never ending love of the sea. He lost his father who was an ENT physician at a young age and his mother remarried with another ENT physician who had several boys that became my father’s step brothers. He was good student and had a proclivity towards sports. He said his interest in medicine came from his step father.
He went to Holy Cross College which he loved with a passion. He truly felt at home here among the Jesuit priests and the logic they provided. His faith was cemented into his core at this time. Out of all his educational experiences he went through …. I know he savored his time in Holy Cross the most. They became his family.
He ended up going into the military and wound up in the Philippines during World War 2 as a medic. He came back to holy cross and finished his education. He was accepted into Georgetown Dental School and excelled. During his 4th year he met a pretty woman ( my mom who we all know was on the prowl for a tall dark professional… but that is another story completely !!!) They married and he went to NYC for his internship. This was some of the toughest times medically for my dad. It was inner city medicine. It was the defining moment where he developed his love of the nursing profession. I asked him once why he loved nurses so much and he flatly told me “ They saved my butt many times at Kings County Hospital !” He completed that and went to Schenectady for a short period of time. He then decided to go into Oral Surgery and went for his fellowship in Texas. It was a very rigorous training and the testing was brutal. He was most proud of his Board Certification in Oral Surgery. After he completed his training he joined the Veteran’s Administration and was assigned to the Albany VA hospital. Here he was in charge of his section , trained residents and published papers. ( Interestingly he published a paper in 1960 which discussed his concerns about the over use of antibiotics and the potential emergence of bacteria that are resistant to most forms of antibiotics. This was years prior to our current problems with antibiotics. ) He then moved to Florida and took a position at the Bay Pines VA. We all know Mom was very sad to say good bye to Albany NY winters, but she found peace on the golf course. He was very busy here but still found time to teach Embryology and Dental Pathology at the SPJC school of Dental Hygiene. He retired from the Va and moved to Port Orange. And over time became a regular Hopice Volunter right up to the time prior to his death.

You might ask … Who Edward James Degnan was. How did he want to be remembered.

Catholic – he emphasized this more than anything else in his life. It was his guiding force. There was no compromise with this part of his life. He instilled this in his family. He had a unique way of emphasizing certain commandments. For example one day I went into his room and he was going through a pathology book of penile and testicular tumors that were quite horrid. Dad told me point blank that if you ever had sex prior to marriage …or if you ever even think about it … this will happen to you. It was a truly impressive teaching point. Everyone who knew my father , knew that he would never compromise his standards. My wife always stated this as fact.

As a Husband- There was no greater love in his life than his wife. They had a bond and a relationship that was always solid. We were so fortunate that they seldom fought and we were unfortunate that the two parents always seemed to be on the same side when it came to a conflict the children. The Kids unfortunately never had a chance. He took care our mother and pretty much spoiled her in a very loving way. She was the center of his life and the purpose for his day. They did just about everything together from golf to going to church to volunteering at Hospice. They were completely inseparable. There was no better example of what a devoted husband was to be like. Their love and bond defined the core of our family. It still does and will so for ever. I think it is very hard for our family to comprehend what life will be like for my mother without Dad.
As a Father- I would rate him as good a father as a husband. Dad had the incredible virtue of knowing when to push a child and knowing when to let a child find his or her own way. The best example was how he let me discover what I wanted to do with my life as a physician. He never pushed. And we all know he somewhat encouraged…ok maybe nudged… well ok physically shoved hard…you could say coerced brutally …bribed….bound and dragged Mary into Nursing. But he was right. He knew where Mary was supposed to be.
He was always approachable with difficult subjects. I think we all knew he had a very high moral standard that we needed to live up to. He did not tolerate disrespect or rudeness towards anyone. Being mean to anyone was unacceptable. It was a drag because he had made us such good Catholics that when we went below the standard or were not the most honest about things….we felt incredible guilty about it. Dad’s Mission was accomplished. Our parents praised academic success but they did not require it. We had to pass but it was not mandatory to get A’s . Everyone eventually followed his lead with education and drifted to graduate education.
He was a fun father also. He gave most of us a love of reading and classical music. He played whiffle ball with us and the neighborhood kids. He would include everyone on the night time games. He would act very silly at times like answering the phone at the dinner table and saying it was “ ED’s place …do you want fries with your burgers?” When our mother would go out to a PTA meeting all the kids would get out of bed head for dad’s room and give him a back rub while he told us a story that had the names of all of us. The story would last about 2 minutes and then dad would fall asleep and we had free reign of the house until mom came back home. He would give us cold water bombs that consisted of turning off the lights when we were taking a group bath when we were young, and taking ICE cold water and pouring it on us. This induced shrieks of laughter and anticipation . He would also play “ Spooky Dark Dark” were he would know someone was coming up the stairs and he would hide in a room or a closet and wait for us to come into the room and say “ HELLLO “ in a deep creepy voice. It should be noted that this was done to me up into my 2nd year of medical school. He also did this with my children which was so fun to watch ( primarlily because he stopped doing it to me) He required that holidays to be completely about the family. He and mom made Christmas so special for us.
He was an extremely compassionate father. He knew when we were in pain and he would try to help. I remember sometimes my brother and I would get so rowdy at night and he would yell at us to be quiet. But he would usually come back and apologize about it. I didn’t have any friends whose parents would do that. ( My brothers and sisters are still waiting for some apologies from my mother….. But we are not holding our collective breath.) As we became older and went through the trials and tribulations of adult life….I would see him worry about each child’s conflict. He was always open to help if someone needed it. He was really always there for us. A constant source of comfort when needed.
I have to mention his love for the animals in the family.He had a great love for Thistle work ethic , Nanook’s heart of gold and of course his favorite cat in the world Sam… who I think he just respected because she just had it made. I still have wonderful memories of dad playing a recorder with Thistle watching him.
He was strict and consistent with punishment. I really do not think his children would be where they are today without the consistent discipline he provided. ( Of course there was one exception to discipline in the family …..that was Mary …. I just think he thought she was just too plain cute for discipline!!!!!

As a Physician- I know am biased but there was no kinder surgeon than my dad. I was so fortunate to work as a volunteer with my dad and watch him with patients, nurses , staff and people in general. Everyone seemed to know him and smile when he came by. He made his consultants feel important , he appreciated all of his nurses he worked with and they loved him!!!. IT was palpable the nurses loved him!!!! . He gave great dignity to everyone from the administrators to the janitors in the hospital. We would eat lunch together when I was working at the Bay Pines Va and we could be barely have a conversation when walking to the cafeteria because he would be saying hello to everyone. He treated his patients like they were family. He was a talented surgeon who worried about his patients. I would sometimes drive him into the hospital when he was called in for an emergency. It was such and excellent opportunity to see how he thought. He would go through the process and plan a strategy of care for the patient prior to even arriving in ER. He would take care of family and people in neighborhood who had medical problems. He was always willing to advise someone if they needed help. There was a wonderful book my dad had me read called “ The Last Angry Man” about a doctor in NYC. I always envisioned my dad as that wonderful doctor. My father was my greatest and most influential role model in my career and life.

As a Citizen- This is where is gets a little complicated. This is where politics and Catholicism and Jesuit thinking and whole lot of other issues come into play . And he was just such a liberal democrat ( Just kidding folks…..the only thing liberal about my dad was the amount of home made whipped cream he would place on his pies at Thanksgiving).Suffice to say …..my Dad was a very conservative republican ….I know that comes as a huge shock to most of you… I think he is the only person I knew who took it completely personal when a Democrat won a presidential election. He was an incredibley patriotic American . He believed in capitalism and freedom. He would start about 6-12 months before a presidential election and that was when he would start deciding on who you needed to vote for. And trust you ….he would call. Before the election he would have you convinced that if you voted for anyone who was not a republican candidate or was not pro life than there was a good chance you were going to Hell very quickly ( and as I remember this Hell was a lot worse than the regular Hell ) Political discussions in our house at dinner were frequent, loud , passionate and rarely ever changed anyone’s opinion. My dad and mother enjoyed the heat of battle on the political front. They were a conservative tag team and were never influenced despite our best efforts. But all of us walked away from these discussions comfortable making and defending our descions. Even though it was not his complete intention or vision.. he created independent thinkers. That is a great gift from a man who wanted to control our votes and views.

At the end of a complete life , you may ask what is his legacy. What did my dad leave behind. How did he effect our world.
It is answered very easily. He left his mark and helped his family patients and country in a very simple way

He loved and served his religion.
He treated his patients with respect , compassion and skill.
He served his country during the War and took care of the wounded and sick veterans during his career.
He provided for his wife and family without complaint.
He loved his wife above all others.. She was by his side during life and was there everyday these last two months.
He loved his children , grandchildren and great grandchildren without question. He was proud of all them.
He loved and accepted all of his in laws even if he didn’t always agree with them at times.

He produced five children who lived up to his expectations to become productive citizens who follow the Catholic Faith . ( He actually told me that was his simple dream for us all)
He leaves his family behind.
Nancy – who a passionate language teacher who shares his love of literature and education . He knew she passed the classic arts on to children and inspired people to learn. A very dedicated teacher, He always respected her education and commitment to academics. He knew and told me how proud he was of her as an incredible mother of two wonderful sons.

Jed- who is a great soldier , a PhD in his field of study, a great son who is still very important in the military field. Dad knew that Jed was completely committed to serving our country. Dad knew that Jed will care for our mother with extra special care long after this was over.
Ultima- who is a wonderful mother and lawyer and teacher of the law. Someone who is so generous. That was something that dad always commented to me about in regards to Ultima. He was always impressed with her faith. Ultima who overcame so much during these last 8 weeks. She was by her father’s side daily. I know my dad appreciated it. I credit Ultima with getting my father to England and Paris. These Two trips are the trips that he talked about ever since he went.
Me – I do the best I can to try to be like my father ( long before his death) He has been , is and will always be my role model for a good catholic, a good husband, a good father and good doctor.
Mary- we all know Dad tried to avoid favorites but Mary was his favorite. She and he had a special bond ( this might be part of the reason she was never punished) but she did turn out to be his nurse. And what an incredible nurse she is. Mary looked out for my father with her wonderful nursing skills like no other. Even though we needed to restrain her at times….you know keep her in the cage at times…..she would get her message across to the other nurses… I know my father was impressed , proud and comforted by Mary’s presence during his prolonged illness. When dad became more obtunded, Mary was the only person who could get him to respond. Many think it was that beautiful bond they had…… I think he was just plain scared of not doing what his favorite nurse told him to do.
When she would tell him to wiggle his toe or squeeze her hand,…most of us in the room would wiggle our toes and squeeze our hands for him.
Mom- he leaves behind a devoted loving wife who had 50+ years with my father. She is the luckiest to have had that much time with my father and suffers the greatest loss with my father’s death. She was his best friend and he her best friend. They complimented eachother in everything they did. They were the definition of a perfect marriage. Their depth of their love defies death and can not be measured. Her faith is as strong as my fathers. Her work with Hospice will help her through this rough time as will her children. It is fitting and ironic that mom’s service to others who are grieving will help her with her own grief. Dad will be by her side in the years to come.

I wonder how dad would respond to all the memorials , gatherings and statements about him. And as in all family gatherings , dad was the first to bed. His response to all this would be …..Geeeez, I am going to bed .
All I can say …. Is good night Daddy , we love you forever. Sleep well ….you deserve it. We will try to keep it down… rest well.

We would like to thank all of you for coming to this ceremony. I know my father would be appreciative of your consideration, your taking time to come here. Your kindness and your prayers are truly appreciated.

Donna Dougan

August 12, 2008

Dr. Degnan will always be fondly remembered by those of us who had the pleasure of working with him at Bay Pines. So clearly I can hear his kind words to apprehensive patients, "How you doin there big guy" as his friendly demeanor allayed their fears. He was a great man who will live on in the hearts of many of us who were blessed by his presence. God bless your family with the knowledge that he is now with our Lord. Donna (Hatch) Dougan

Sr. Frederick 35 Adams Place

August 8, 2008

Dear Mrs. Degnan and Family,
I was sorry to read of Dr. Degnan's death. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I put your name in our parish prayer book. We will pray for Dr. Degnan at the Prayer of the Faithful at all our Masses this week end. I remember having the Degnan children at St. Thomas School.
Sister Mary Frederick
Pastoral Care

Mercedes Brunelle

August 7, 2008

I am so sorry to have heard of your lost. I just found out today from Betty Mae in New Haven. My prayers are with you all. May God continue to bless you and keep you. It was good to see you in New Hampshire recently. Please call if you need anything. God Bless, Mercedes, Yea-Yea Dooley.

Tattum Duvall

August 7, 2008

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

Sara Yeager

August 6, 2008

My Dearest Ed,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family always, but especially now.

Lovingly,

Milo Hatch, DDS

August 5, 2008

I am very sorry for your loss. I have not seen Jim for years, but enjoyed working with him at Bay Pines. He will be missed by many. God bless you all.

Rick and Diane Johnson

August 5, 2008

Dear Mike and Family

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you all find comfort in family,friends and the many happy memories you all shared.

Susan Frye Novotny

August 5, 2008

Dear Mrs. Degnan, Nancy, Jed, Michael, Ulti and Mary,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss and send my condolences to all. I have many warm memories of Dr. Degnan all inspired by his great sense of humor, his sharp intellect, his love of reading and his love of family...virtues that he passed down to the rest of you. He was the only other "Dad" I really felt a great affection for...a very special man.

Love to All,
Susan

Donald H. Coad

August 4, 2008

Dr. Mike,
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. May the Good Lord be with him and your Family.

Shirley & Don Coad & Family

Jessica Guadalupe And Family

August 4, 2008

May God grant you the peace and understand and comfort you during this time. Our prayers are with you and your Family.

Deb and Tony Trovato

August 4, 2008

Doctor, may you rest in peace.
You were a wonderful loyal neighbor, always looking out for us as you walked down the end of Cranberry Drive. We will miss your wave as we drive by each morning for work. Your love for dogs will be missed, as our dogs Logan and Brew were always happy to see you and who graciously had special treats for them. :) We will miss you!
Your friends and neighbors,
Deb and Tony Trovato

Rick Keith & Lori Cooper-Keith

August 4, 2008

May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding comfort you and wrap you in his arms of peace. Your family is in our prayers.

Barry & Idilia Hall

August 4, 2008

Great neighbor, GREAT FRIEND, you will be truly missed Jim. Resr In Peace. We loved knowing you Jim, you always so much fun for us.

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