Gerald Francis Egan

Gerald F. (“Jerry”) Egan, 84, died peacefully at home among family on Friday, August 5, 2022.  He was born on December 19, 1937 in Binghamton, NY to Donald and Rose Egan.  He graduated from Johnson City High School in 1955 and joined IBM soon after.  The year 1962 was a big one for Jerry - he joined Carol June Spisak in marriage (February 24) and, by invitation from Uncle Sam, the US Army.

After his stint in the service, Jerry returned to IBM and stayed there until he retired after over 33 years in their finance department. While at IBM, Jerry enjoyed playing IBM league sports and winning those Watson trophies! 

Jerry and Carol both volunteered at Duke basketball and football games for over 40 years, managing the volunteer group providing security at the games.  Together they spearheaded efforts to have the volunteer organization donate significant time and money to many worthwhile causes, including the Murdoch Developmental Center, the Ronald McDonald House, Duke Hospice, and others.  He was an active member of Holy Infant Catholic Church and also volunteered his time with Duke Hospice, where he and Carol were named volunteers of the year in 2012.

Beyond even Duke basketball and Notre Dame football, Jerry’s true love was his family.  His wife of 60 years, his three children, his five grandchildren, and his one new great granddaughter, all brought him endless joy.

Everyone who knew Jerry will tell you that he was a truly gentle, happy man. He went through life with a smile and a joke, never worried about what tomorrow might bring, even to the very end.

Jerry was preceded in death by his two brothers Don and Dick and is survived by his sister Karen Hobert.  He is also survived by his wife Carol, his children Jerilyn Reid (Scott, of Cary), Debra Medlin (Scott, of Roxboro), and Greg Egan (of Stem), his grandchildren Brynne McHale (Alex, of Charleston, SC), Madison Reid (of Charlotte, NC), Brandon Medlin, Justin Egan, and Asheton Medlin, and great-granddaughter Collins Grace McHale, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to drop in and visit together to reminisce and celebrate Jerry’s life at the home of Jerilyn and Scott Reid, 101 LeBlanc Court, Cary, NC on Friday August 12 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm.  A Mass celebrating Jerry’s life will be held on Saturday, August 13 at 11:00am at Holy Infant Catholic Church, 5000 South Park Drive, Durham, NC.  The family will also be receiving visitors at the church an hour before the service and a reception will be held at the church afterward. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Duke Homecare and Hospice or Duke Children’s Hospital, in memory of Jerry.