Joe Egan

EGAN JOE EGAN (Age 53) On May 7, 2008, of Naples, FL, passed away. . Born in Melrose, MN, son of a turkey farmer, he earned a B.S. in Physics, and Masters Degrees in Nuclear Engineering and Technology and Policy at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. While at MIT, he was captain of the varsity track team. He was also a concert pianist. He went on to earn his J.D. from Columbia University Law School where he graduated with honors. He practiced law at LeBooef, Lamb Green and MacRae in NY and later at Shaw Pittman. In 1994, he formed his own firm devoted exclusively to nuclear environmental and non-proliferation law. He became one of the nation‘s top nuclear attorneys and a champion of non-proliferation causes. He was the lead attorney for the state of Nevada in its battle against the Federal Government‘s proposed $77 billion high level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, 90 miles north of Las Vegas. In 1996, Egan learned that the Dept. of Energy found the mountain to be highly porous and would leak radioactive waste more quickly than was ever anticipated. He led several lawsuits in the Federal Court of Appeals and was successful in putting the project on the verge of extinction while arguing for the safe storage of nuclear waste at reactor sites. His ashes are to be spread at Yucca Mountain. His eulogy: “Rad waste buried here only over my dead body.” Egan teamed with nuclear shipper, Edlow International bringing together more than a dozen countries to facilitate the return to the U.S. of over 5000 tons of weapons grade uranium that had been disseminated around the world in the 50‘s and 60‘s. In the end, he was successful in the return of the radioactive materials from all 42 countries supplied by the U.S. The founder of the non-proliferation group, Nuclear Control Institute, Paul Levanthal, called Egan‘s campaign the greatest achievement in non-proliferation in his life time. Egan represented 19 national governments on nuclear issues and was past president of the International Nuclear Law Association. He represented Ireland in a battle against Great Britain over radioactive pollution of the Irish Sea. A devoted rocketeer, he built and flew his own rockets as a child and went on to represent the Rocket Association against the A.T.F. so his hobby could be kept legal for the world‘s budding future scientists. He took on many cases and won them as that was his only style. Joe Egan was a true inspiration to everyone and an extraordinary gentleman. He was a loving husband and father. His passion for making the world a safer place was unstoppable. He celebrated his passion for play when he moved to Naples two years ago. He fought his courageous battle with cancer with a smile and proclaimed, “This has been the best two years of my life.” He was boating, fishing, traveling, and cooking, collecting wine and coins along with working until the last day of his life. He lived it to the fullest, with no regrets. He will be dearly missed by many people around the world; people who loved him. He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia; daughter, Jennifer; and son, Warren, all of Naples; his parents, Dick and Lucy Egan; siblings, Timothy Egan, Michelle Langlas, Ann Gant, and Denise Loonan. A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, May 22, 4 p.m., St. Ann Catholic Parish, 475 9th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102. A “Celebration of Life” reception will follow the mass at the Village Center of Ole‘ in the Lely Resort, 9075 Celeste Drive, Naples. (RSVP to 210-496-5001) While flowers will be accepted, memorial donations may be made to St. John‘s Prepatory School, attn: Mike Mullin, P.O. Box 4000, Collegeville, MN 56321. FULLER FUNERAL HOME East Naples 239-417-5000239-417-5000