James E. Egan

James E. Egan, 92, of East Dennis, MA passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis. Born in Roxbury, MA, the son of William and Florence (Brown) Egan, he was raised in the Roxbury and Dorchester neighborhoods of Boston. James would eventually establish his permanent home on Cape Cod in 1976.

After high school, James attended Boston College until, in 1946, he entered into the Army serving during WWII as a Surgical Technician was awarded the WW II Victory Medal.

Upon completion of his military duty, James enrolled at MIT, attending classes and becoming a Structural Engineer. Early in James career he developed a specialty for the construction of steel structures. James expertise in geometry and the ability to visualize a completed structure in his mind gave him the unique ability to develop precise drawings that were used to cut and shape the individual steel components were brought to the site for erection to create the final structure. James worked on many building and bridge projects throughout the years. In the early days of his career James worked on the construction of many bridges that were part of the interstate highway system and included the Massachusetts and Maine Turnpike's, and many of the interstate highways in New England. Notable building projects that James lent his efforts to were the construction of Boston's Museum of Science and Prudential Center. Later in his career he focused on the telecom industry and provided designs for the original data transmission towers that eventually would become the original cell phone towers for the budding mobile industry. After a career that spaned 60 years James retired at 82.

As an avid traveler, James worked part time for Garden City Tours as a Tour Escort, taking private groups around the globe to destinations including Hawaii, Egypt, Isrial, the Caribbean and across Europe.

An organization dear to his heart, James was a devoted member of the Knights Of Columbus Dorchester/Lower Mills Council # 180. He was a lifetime member and from 1967-1968 he lent his charity and leadership as the Grand Knight of Council # 180.

James held a deep passion for the ocean and an intrigue for sea faring vessels. He translated this love, along with his engineering mind, into building intricate boat and ship models, becoming an expert in his craft. When time allowed, James would steal away to the beach, to sit and enjoy his lunch or contemplate the beauty the Cape Cod landscape provided him.

James is survived by his children Paul Burridge-Egan (Philip) of Pompano Beach, FL, Mary Cappello of West Yarmouth, MA, William “Bill” Egan of Boston, MA and Tom Egan (Janet) of Dennis, MA along with four grandchildren, Elizabeth and William Egan, Jenna Smith and Emma Henderson. He is also survived by his sister Mary Carroll of Malden, MA and his loving partner of many years, Patricia Arnone. James is predeceased by his wife Janet Ester Egan (1993), his brother William, who lost his life as a fighter pilot in WWII, and his sisters Rita Egan, Frances Mitchell, Claire Steeves and Florence Taverna.

Private family services are under the direction of Doane Beal & Ames Funeral Home, South Dennis, MA. A Memorial Mass will be scheduled at a later date .