Obituary of Francis Thomas "Frank" Eagan

Francis Thomas “Frank” Eagan, 64, a lifelong resident of Peabody and accomplished mechanical engineer, died peacefully on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at Hunt Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Danvers. Frank, son of the late William J. and Helen A. (Houlihan) Eagan, was born on March 26, 1944. He graduated from Peabody High School in 1961 and received an Associates Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology. He went on to pursue his passion for engineering by attaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering in 1969 and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1972, both from Northeastern University. His talents in the field of engineering, along with his keen mathematical and technical skills, formed the foundation for Frank's illustrious career designing and developing jet engines for General Electric in Lynn. He belonged to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Knights of Columbus Leo Council 508. While pursuing his career, Frank was also a dedicated caretaker for his mother, father and the much-loved family dogs. After roughly two decades of service to General Electric, Frank's career was suddenly and prematurely cut short when he suffered a massive stroke, which left him physically disabled. Throughout his life, Frank was a faithful and loving member of the Eagan family. Frank was adored by his nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and his siblings and in-laws who lovingly and devotedly cared for him, becoming well-known fixtures at the nursing homes where he lived. From the time he was a small boy, he enjoyed fresh and saltwater fishing, eventually taking his passion to local rivers and harbors in his beloved 12 ft boat. He delighted in lighthouses throughout his life, and his room at Rainbow Nursing Home and Hunt's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center was adorned with replicas of local lighthouses given to him by his friends and family. He was an avid Patriots fan and enjoyed harvesting his own vegetables. Known for his quick wit and sharp sense of humor, he gave a spark of life to the rehabilitative centers where he lived his later years, at times deemed the "mayor" of one of the center's floor by staff members. Frank is survived by his siblings and their spouses, Mary J. Eagan, William J. Eagan both of Peabody, Helen C. and Robert Dostie of Haverhill, John R. and Joanne Eagan of Lynn. He also leaves behind 7 nieces and nephews, William, Deborah, Michael, Nancy, Brian, Dennis and Colleen and ten grandnieces and grandnephews. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 10 a.m. from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., (new facility) Peabody followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Church, 16 Church Street, Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Salem. Memorial contributions may be made in Frank’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.