Dr. William Joseph Egan

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Dr. William Joseph Egan, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and respected member of the dental and Syracuse communities. Born on June 1, 1935, in Syracuse, New York, to Helen and Michael Egan, Bill lived a life marked by integrity, compassion, and dedication to family and service.

Bill grew up in Syracuse alongside his three older sisters, Ginny, Mary, and Ellie, proudly carrying on the Egan family name and Irish heritage. A gifted athlete and outstanding student, he attended Niagara University and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Marquette University School of Dentistry in 1960.

Bill married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Plante, on June 7, 1958, in Milwaukee, WI. Their love story began seven years earlier when Bev boldly asked Bill to a high school sorority dance. The two were married for 67 years.

Following dental school, Bill served in the U.S. Air Force Dental Corps from 1960 to 1962, stationed in Maine. He returned to the Syracuse area and established a successful dental practice that served the community for 46 years before retiring in 2008. A dedicated leader in his profession, he held numerous roles in the American Dental Association, including President of the Fifth District Dental Society of New York, President of the Syracuse Dental Seminar Study Club, Chairman of the Onondaga Peer Review Ethics Committee, and member of the Malpractice Claims Committee.

Together Bill and Bev raised their five children, Mike, Carolyn, Mark, Nancy, and Marcia, in Manlius, NY, where they lived for nearly four decades before relocating to Pittsboro, NC, to be closer to family.

Bill was an avid golfer, a lifelong Syracuse University sports fan, and a well-rounded athlete. He enjoyed golf at the Calvary Club every Wednesday and was affectionately nicknamed “Chickletts” by his softball teammates from St. Ann’s and Holy Cross. He coached his sons in Little League baseball and cheered at countless football, soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, track, lacrosse, and dance events for his children and grandchildren. He served more than 20 years on the sideline chain crew at Syracuse University football games, delighting his grandkids, who tried to spot “Grandpa” on TV between plays in the Dome.

Among Bill’s greatest joys was time spent at his camp on DeRuyter Lake. Each summer began with his tradition of planting a flower high in a tree to mark the camp’s opening. He found peace mowing the lawn on his John Deere, savoring butter pecan ice cream from the Drift Inn, and hosting the cherished Annual Egan Open golf tournament. Fourth of July celebrations with his children and grandchildren were the highlight of every summer.

Bill was known to all as a kind, generous, and soft-spoken man. His friends described him as a man of true character. He had a gentle smile, quick wit, and a sweet golf swing. Bill left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He was a man of deep faith and a true patriot who loved his country. He dedicated his life to family, faith, and service to others.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Beverly, and their five children: Michael Egan, Carolyn Egan, Mark Egan (Suzanne), Nancy Bromley (Rob), and Marcia Pickett (Mike). He was a proud grandfather to fourteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Taryn Gogolen, Matthew Egan, Cawley Melhuish, Marie Egan, Kelly Nikitas, Amy Nikitas, Jay Pickett, Madeline Proctor, James Nikitas, Caleigh Pickett, Patrick Egan, Ellie Bromley, Molly Egan, Evelyn Pickett, Max Melhuish, and Charlie Gogolen. He is also survived by his two sisters, Mary Egan and Eleanor Wendell (George), along with many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in William Egan’s memory to the Autism Society of North Carolina, Camp Royall. Donations can be made online at https://www.autismsociety-nc.org/donate-online/ Please designate your gift to Camp Royall.

Funeral arrangements for Dr. Egan are pending at this time.

The Egan family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com – select obituaries.