Ronald J. Egan, 78

GILFORD — Ronald Joseph Egan, 78, of Gilford, died on Oct. 15, 2026, of a heart attack. Known affectionately to those who loved him as Ron, Ronnie, Pépé, or Papa, he left a legacy of adventure, dedication, and deep love for his family and friends.

Born in Laconia, on Aug. 14, 1948, he had a competitive spirit and a passion for sports. Baseball stood out as his favorite, a game he played through college and followed avidly as a lifelong Red Sox fan.

He grew up on Boston's North Shore in Lynn, Swampscott, and Peabody. He graduated from Bishop Fenwick High School in 1966. He received an associate's degree in machine design technology from Wentworth Institute of Technology in 1969. Using the GI Bill, he completed a bachelor of science in industrial engineering from Lowell Technological Institute (now University of Massachusetts, Lowell) in 1976. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Forrestal on the flight deck as an aviation boatswain's mate from 1970 to 1972. Ron carried the torch passed down by his late father, Arnold Egan, a World War II Navy Veteran, and later passed it along to his own son, Nathaniel Egan, who became a chief U.S. Navy diver. Ron was a big Jimmy Buffett fan, and his love for the sea and family’s maritime tradition made him feel deeply connected to the song "Son of a Son of a Sailor."

While working at Sanders Associates (now BAE Systems), he got his master of business administration going nights at New Hampshire College (now Southern New Hampshire University). Early in his career, he accepted a consulting job with H.B. Maynard and Company Inc. and worked there for 10 years serving clients around the globe with industrial engineering training and operational excellence consulting. Ronald is published in the industrial engineering handbook, in a chapter called “Supporting Lean Flow Production Strategies.” Ron spent eight more years of his career consulting with various firms, including Kepner-Tregoe, Incito, and his own Value Stream Architects. He spent over 20 years in the defense electronics industry as an operations program manager for defense programs for the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy, including system design and development on the joint strike fighter (F-35). He also spent time in Saudi Arabia building a defense electronics manufacturing infrastructure, which today is Advanced Electronics Company in Riyadh.

Ron’s love for adventure and connection with people showed in many ways. He enjoyed skiing at Gunstock, where he occasionally took on customer service duties for a season pass. He loved boasting, “From my couch to the chair in nine minutes.” When he wasn’t optimizing production lines in his professional life, Ron was drawn back to the water. For 40 years, he was a proud member of the Winnipesaukee Yacht Club, indulging his passion for sailboat racing.

Beyond his hobbies, Ron was a dedicated family man. He instilled in his children a spirit of competitiveness, resilience, and activity. Winters were highlighted by the home ice rink he built every year in the yard, while warmer months were filled with outdoor games — kicking, throwing, or hitting a ball with his kids.

Ron was a man of action, never willing to let age slow him down. Regardless of the weather, he took his beloved dog, Parish, for a walk every morning. His love for the outdoors and adventure carried he and Victoria across the country and all over New England on countless RV trips. When not traveling, Ron enjoyed the simple pleasure of cruising his classic MGB roadster around the state, savoring the freedom of the open road. He also treasured quiet moments on the water, often taking solo rides on his boat, Big Blu, across Lake Winnipesaukee. Ron was also a storyteller at heart. Writing became a hobby, writing a screenplay and penning memoirs that captured the rich tapestry of his life experiences, many of them humorous anecdotes. Year-round, you could find him in his garage, accompanied by the laid-back tunes of Jimmy Buffett, Parish by his side, and unequivocally at peace.

Above all, Ron’s love for his wife, children, grandchildren, and loyal dog was the center of his life. His adventurous spirit, unwavering support, and deep affection left a lasting imprint on everyone who knew him. Ron was also known for his love of conversation and storytelling — if you ever met him, chances are you’ve heard one of his many memorable tales, shared with warmth and good humor. His kindness and gentle spirit touched all those around him. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by his wife, Victoria L. (Hansen) Egan of Gilford; son Nathaniel Heath Egan, wife Meagan, and two granddaughters, Alison Marie and Jaina Gray of Moyock, North Carolina; daughter Jillian Nickerson, husband Guy, and two granddaughters, Hadley Ada and Taryn Elizabeth of Gilford; stepdaughter Kimberly Scott, husband George, and step-grandchildren, Clara May Quinlan, Charles Harper Quinlan and Agatha Jules Quinlan of West Newbury, Massachusetts; sisters Gail Collins of Arcadia, Florida, Janet Cyr of North Fort Myers, Florida, Darlene Paradise and husband Ronald of Charlestown, and Marjorie Levesque and husband John of Cape Coral, Florida; brothers Arnold Egan Jr. and wife Maryan of Cape Coral, Florida, and John Egan of Perry, Florida; four nieces and 10 nephews; stepchildren Christopher Horvath of Plaistow, and Jennifer Koerber, husband Ricky of Racine, Wisconsin, and their children Hannah, Hayley and Alyssa, and great-grandchildren Carter, Keanu and Luella.

He was predeceased by his parents, Arnold Joseph Egan and Theresa Lillian (Simoneau) Egan.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, in the Carriage House at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia.

A funeral service will follow the calling hours, also at the funeral home.

Ronald will be laid to rest at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.