Dr. William F. Eagan, PhD

Dr. William F. Eagan

February 18, 1920 ~ February 28, 2015

Dr. William F. Eagan, PhD, 95, residing in South Bend, passed away at 1:59 AM Saturday, February 28, 2015 at Sanctuary at St. Paul’s. He was born February 18, 1920 in Chicago, Illinois, to the late William and Julia (Sanders) Eagan.

On June 4, 1968, in Chicago, IL, William married Barbara Tiritilli Eagan, who preceded him in death on March 5, 1986.   He was also preceded by his brother, John “Jack” Eagan.

William is survived by his daughter, Teresa Voyles of Indianapolis, IN; son, David D. (Kerri) Eagan of Elkhart; and three grandchildren, Desmond Eagan, Amelia Gavazzoni and Joseph Gavazzoni.

William graduated from Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, IL in 1942. He earned his Masters in Education in 1949 from Loyola University, Chicago, IL and completed his doctorate, earning his PhD from Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, in 1956.

Lt. Colonel William Eagan was a World War II Veteran. He served in the United States Army for 29 years, from 1942-1972 in both Active Duty and Reserves. 

Dr. Eagan’s began his teaching career at Argos Community Schools from 1946-1952.  He was a Professor at Notre Dame for 34 years in the areas of Statistics, Business Law, Legal Environment, and Independent Study from 1956-1990. His business career at Notre Dame included working on the law part of the CPA Exam; MBA Program for Religion and development of the Retirement Plan for Religion.  He was a member of the Silver Hair Congress for 6 years.  William served as a supervisory teacher for Eastern Illinois University and Howard University, Washington, DC. 

William was a member of the American Economic Association; Catholic Business Education Association; National Council for Social Studies; Academy of Legal Studies in Business; and American Association of University Professors for Academic Freedom and Tenure Issues.  He served on the AARP Michiana Board of Directors for 8 years and 3 years as Vice President.

William’s volunteer service included Triad for 7 years working with law enforcement, the Attorney General to prevent fraud; Salvation Army for 8 years; South Bend Human Rights Commission for 21 years; Kiwanis for 5 years; American Legion for 4 years; Community Forum on Economic Development for 7 years; South Bend Common Council Advisory Committee where he served on the Budget Committee for three years and the Economic Development for a year; and Real Services Advisory Committee for 10 years. William enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and gardening.  He especially enjoyed locally grown produce.

Mass of Christian Burial for Dr. Eagan will be held at 9:30 AM (EST) Friday, March 6, 2015 at Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame. Committal service and entombment will take place at 1:30 PM (CST) Friday at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 S. Wolf Road, Hillside, IL 60126.  Friends may visit with the family from 4:00-8:00 PM (EST) on Thursday at Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN 46635.

Memorial contributions may be donated to Robinson Community Learning Center, 921 N. Eddy Street, South Bend, IN 46617. Online condolences may be left for the Eagan family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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