Obituary of Peter Henry Egan Jr.

Peter Henry Egan, Jr., age 52, of Mesa, passed away peacefully on 4/10/23 surrounded by family and friends. Peter was born 1/21/71 to Pete and Arleen Egan in Mesa. Peter graduated from Mesa High School in 1993 and took online college courses thereafter.

 

Peter loved his family and friends deeply. He is survived by his mother Arleen, sisters Marie (Tom) Wujek and Karen Egan, brother Kent (Amy) Froscheiser, nephews Mark, Alex and Kent, Jr., niece Hailey, many brothers and sisters “by choice”, numerous cousins and hundreds of dear friends.

 

Due to severe cerebral palsy, Peter had a very physically challenging life in a body that was totally broken, but his smile, character, humor, and love were effervescent. He appreciated all of the help everyone provided him during his difficult life and did his best to share his gratitude.

 

In the 1980s, Peter was excited to be chosen to use one of less than ten prototype communication systems (an especially heavy and awkward machine compared to computers these days) where he typed words onto a small screen using his head to operate switches. This required mastering Morse Code (not easy when using head switches) which he became very proficient in. He was teased that when concentrating so much on the “dits” and “dahs” to make a certain letter or word, his face would be very stern looking like he was mad.

 

Peter was a guest on local telethons in his teens and twenties and enjoyed meeting some wonderful local newscasters. He also met Barry Goldwater and Joe Garagiola – two poignant memories for him. He got to go on a hot air balloon ride which was huge on his Bucket List and not an easy feat when one is in a wheelchair. Peter was an avid fan of The Golden Girls, NYPD Blue, 24, Hallmark Christmas movies, Forrest Gump, ET, Grease, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and many other shows, movies, and plays. He loved all kinds of music, especially Frank Sinatra! Peter would have been delighted to decorate for Christmas in August and take down decorations in January as it was his favorite time of year and he thought everyone should enjoy it for six months.

 

Peter came to this earth to teach and teach he did. When you met Peter, he was a one-of-a-kind person that you simply could never forget.

 

Peter was predeceased by his beloved father, Pete, his sister Lori Froscheiser, grandparents, many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends and we are comforted knowing he is rejoicing with them in heaven.

 

Peter’s family wishes to thank the many friends, Peter’s medical group home staff and housemates, the gang at Guthrie Mainstream Services (his second family) and all others who have been so supportive of Peter and us. We are very grateful and blessed.

 

Peter’s legacy will carry on forever, reminding everyone that even in the face of having a “bad day”, you can smile and control your attitude about it to get through it. Just remember his gorgeous smile.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held for Peter on Saturday, May 13th at 11:00 a.m. at The Chateau, 7000 E. Main St., Mesa, Az.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you perform a random act of kindness in Peter’s honor. That would make him so very happy.

 

Peter will be deeply missed by the many, many lives he touched, and our sun is a little dimmer without him here.

 

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