John Egan holding the Burns Hayes Award, the highest honor that can be bestowed by the New York AOH, at a ceremony last year. He is pictured with then New York State President Jim Burke and current state president, Tim McSweeney.
By Ray O’Hanlon
rohanlon@irishecho.com
Just a week after he was honored by his Hibernian division, and only a week shy of his 85th birthday, former Ancient Order of Hibernians New York State President, John Egan, has died from injuries sustained in a Halloween car crash on Route 32 in upstate Greene County.
Egan, a native of County Clare, reportedly survived the immediate collision but died later from his injuries after being taken to hospital by helicopter.
The driver of the other vehicle was treated at the scene for less serious injuries.
“Former New York State President John Egan is the Division 5 Man of the Year. His leadership, guidance and dedication have helped remake Division 5 into a growing Irish force within Woodlawn-Wakefield and the AOH.”
This was the wording of the announcement in the press release for the October 18 Division 5 awards event at The Rambling House in the Bronx.
Mr. Egan could not attend as he was out of town celebrating his upcoming birthday with his wife, Catherine.
His Division 5 Man of the Year Award was accepted on his behalf by fellow Hibernian, Dan Dennehy.
"John remained a much loved friend and was an advisor to all levels, and many generations, of AOH leadership, before and after his presidency and until his passing," said Mr. Dennehy in a statement Monday.
Mr. Egan, a retired manager with Con Edison, was a longtime Yonkers resident, and a life member of the AOH.
He was the chief of protocol for the organization’s leadership at all levels.
He was past president of the New York State AOH (1981-1983), past president of the AOH Bronx County, and AOH Bronx Division 5 past president.
In recent times Mr. Egan had been very active in the revitalization of both Division 5 and Bronx County AOH.
He was a parishioner and an usher at St. Barnabas Church in Woodlawn.
A wake is being held at Ruggierio's Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 4, from 2 to 8 p.m. and a Funeral Mass will be held St. Barnabas Main Church on Thursday, November 5, at 10.45 a.m.
Ruggiero’s is at 732 Yonkers Avenue, phone (914) 375-1400, or info@ruggieroandsonsfh.com.
