Rooney Family Tree

Joe Egant

Egan, Joe 53, of Naples, FL passed away on May 7th, 2008. Born in Melrose, MN, son of a turkey farmer, he earned a B.S. in Physics, and two Masters Degrees at M.I.T. He went on to earn his J.D. from Columbia University Law School where he graduated with honors. He practiced law in NY and then, 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 led several lawsuits in the Federal Court of Appeals arguing for the safe storage of nuclear waste at reactor sites. His ashes are to be spread at Yucca Mountain near Las Vegas. His eulogy: "Rad waste buried here only over my dead body." Egan represented 19 national governments on nuclear issues and was past president of the International Nuclear Law Association. 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. Two years ago he moved to Naples and 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 wife, Patricia; daughter, Jennifer and son, Warren, all of Naples; his parents, Dick and Lucy Egan of Melrose, MN; siblings, Timothy Egan, Michelle Langlas, Ann Gant, and Denise Loonan. A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, May 22nd, 4:00 p.m., St. Ann Catholic Parish, 475 9th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102. Memorial donations may be made to St. John's Prepatory School, attn: Mike Mullin, P.O. Box 4000, Collegeville, MN 56321 Fuller Funeral Home Naples, Florida.