Richard Burke Egan
Mar 21st, 2026
Seven Bells
Richard Burke Egan, Sr., 94, of West Yarmouth, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.
Dick was born in Wellesley, Massachusetts, on July 21, 1931. He spent his summers in Yarmouth on Mill Creek at his grandfather’s property—land that eventually became his home—where he met his future wife, Audrey Palmer, and discovered a lifelong love of boating.
After graduating from Newton High School, Dick entered Northeastern University’s Co-op program in the School of Business while working for his father at Bay State Boat Company in Dorchester and Boston. He later served as Vice President of Boston Yacht Sales and President of Marine and Industrial Engines in Neponset. In 1976 he purchased the Crosby Yacht Yard in Osterville and revitalized its boatbuilding program, helping design and build hundreds of vessels.
A leader in the marine community, Dick was Past President and longtime board member of the Massachusetts Marine Trade Association and the Cape Cod Marine Trade Association, a director of the American Boat Builders and Repairers Association, and a member of the Marine Retailers Association of America. He was a member and past Chairman of the Massachusetts Governors Marine Advisory Board and served on the Yarmouth Waterfront Advisory Committee. He was a supporter and advisor to the Cape Cod Maritime Museum. Dick was very generous with his time and business acumen, serving on a number of other Boards such as the Blind Pass Condominium Board in Florida.
A devoted sailor and racer, Dick joined Lewis Bay Yacht Club in 1966 and the Hyannis Yacht Club in 1972, later serving as Trustee and Commodore. He and his family successfully raced one-design and ocean-class boats throughout New England for many many years. He served as navigator in his last race during Figawi with his children and grandchildren aboard, and in later years enjoyed watching local races from his powerboats.
An avid fisherman, Dick was a founder and board member of the Osterville Anglers Club, and long-time member of the Nantucket Anglers Club. In later years he kept a red 21-foot Crosby Tug “Daisy Mae” on Mill Creek for watching family races, cruising Lewis Bay and an occasional waterside lunch at Baxter’s Boat House with his wife and family.
He is survived by his wife of more than 72 years, Audrey (Palmer) Egan; brother Bruce Egan; sons Richard Egan Jr. and his wife Jeanne (Christopulos), Bradford Egan, and Gregory Egan and his wife Nancy (Martin); daughter Pamela Egan; eight grandsons and five granddaughters, three great-grandsons and four nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his parents and sister Marcia Miller.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated in Yarmouth port on Friday April 10, 2026 at 10:30am at the Sacred Heart Chapel on Summer Street, followed by a family graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to either the Massachusetts Marine Trade Association Educational Trust at https://www.massboatingcareers.com/donations.html or the Cape Cod Maritime Museum at capecodmaritimemuseum.org/donate, both organizations which Dick supported.