John A. Egan, 93, a Bridgeview construction company owner and former Navy Seabee, died Monday, Sept. 24, while flying back to Chicago from a reunion with Navy comrades in Baton Rouge, La. Born and raised in Oak Park, Mr. Egan learned about construction by working in his father’s sand and gravel business, said his son, Jack. He earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at Armour Institute of Technology–now Illinois Institute of Technology–and then went to work for a several construction companies. He married Erdene McGough in 1941 and that same year responded to the Navy’s need to for experienced tradesmen. He was assigned to the 96th Naval Construction Battalion, the Seabees, and attained the rank of commander by the time he was discharged in 1946. After the war, he moved to Palos Park, where he lived for the next 52 years. He and a friend from the Navy started the Marquette Construction Co., specializing in heavy construction and roadwork, as well as industrial and residential development, his son said. He was known for being direct and honest in his business dealings. Mr. Egan retired in 1982 after handing the business over to his son. While he was not a licensed pilot, Mr. Egan enjoyed flying with his son, and it was on their plane that he died, his son said. Mr. Egan is also survived byseveral nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday in Blake-Lamb/Becvar Funeral Home, 11201 S. Harlem Ave., Worth.
