William Bernard Eagan, Esq.

William Bernard Eagan, Esq., a prominent Willow Grove attorney and longtime resident of Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 12, 2020, at home with his loving family at his side.  He was 96 years of age. He is survived by his beloved wife,  Dina T. Eagan (nee DiGiuseppe); their four daughters, Linda Eagan Penrod (Robert Woodruff) of Doylestown, Dina Eagan Lucas (Brian, predeceased) of Bluebell, Sheryl A. Thomson (Michael) of Lenoir City, TN, Janet R. Howard (Edward) of Ambler; eleven grandchildren, Jake (Erin), Tim (Sofia), Lauren, Bill, Jenny, Matt, Tommy, Kristin, Joey, Jess, Alyssa, one great-granddaughter Camila; and cherished in-laws, nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his parents, three sisters, five brothers, and dearly loved in-laws.

William (Bill) Eagan was born and raised in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, one of nine children of John and Jessie (Carter) Eagan.   Upon graduating from Pottsville High School in 1942, he enlisted in the US Army and fought during World War II.  As a Sergeant in the 43rd Infantry Division, Bill served in the Pacific Theater and was awarded the Bronze Star.  On his discharge from military service in 1945, Bill enrolled at Temple University.  He graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the School of Business and was named one of ten outstanding seniors.  Bill continued onto Temple University Law School where he graduated in 1955 with a Juris Doctor of Law.   While attending Temple, Bill met the love of his life and future wife, Dina.  They were married in April 1952.

Beginning his legal career in Philadelphia, Bill relocated to Willow Grove in 1961 where he continued to practice for 50+ years, eventually proudly partnering with his daughter, Dina.   Bill was admitted to practice before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.    He was also involved in numerous professional organizations including the Pennsylvania and Montgomery Bar Associations, the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, the American Arbitration Association and others.

Bill was also very civic minded during the five decades he practiced in Willow Grove. He was an active member and chapter president of many local associations including the Willow Grove Chamber of Commerce, the Willow Grove Rotary, the Air Force Association of Willow Grove, and the Transportation Management Association.   He was a founding member of Aldersgate, a former Director of the Willow Grove Open to benefit Second Alarmers and served on several Upper Moreland High School Committees.   In addition, he was the Upper Moreland Swim Club attorney, one of the original organizers and the last surviving charter member.   Being named Citizen of The Year and Republican of the Year are just two of the many awards he received for his selfless efforts.   In addition, Bill was a dedicated member of St. David’s Roman Catholic Church, serving as lector, counter and usher for many years.    

Although Bill was dedicated to his legal practice, his most precious accomplishment was his 68-year marriage to his wife, Dina and the lifetime they spent raising their daughters and grandchildren. He most treasured the times he spent with his family, the shared holidays, and family vacations including the summer trips to Ocean City, New Jersey  where he spent many hours as a devoted Pop-Pop swimming in the ocean and digging in the sand with his grandchildren. Quick with a corny joke, Bill was also creative and his homemade Valentines and poetry will always be treasured.  Other interests he enjoyed included a love for music and old fashioned musicals, listening to opera, ballroom dancing with Dina, playing cards and watching old-time western movies.  He was an avid fan of his Philadelphia sports teams and enjoyed golf as a member of the North Hills Country Club.    

Bill will be remembered for his devotion to his family and friends, his commitment to his profession, and his willingness to help others. He was greatly loved and will be forever missed.  

A Funeral Mass is planned for Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at St. David’s Roman Catholic Church, 316 Easton Road, Willow Grove at one o’clock p.m.  A private family viewing as per Covid regulations will precede the Mass.   Interment at St. John Neumann Cemetery will immediately follow.   Relatives and friends are reminded that social distancing will be observed at all times and every person will be required to wear masks.  Flowers may be delivered to St. David’s Church, or in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) – ResearchAutism.org/donate. 

John J. Bryers Funeral Home, Inc., Willow Grove

www.bryersfh.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Bernard Eagan, Esq., please visit our floral store.