Born in the Bronx, N.Y., he was the son of the late Cyril and Lillian O&squo;Donahue Egan and the loving husband of the late Jean Egan, who died in 2004. Mr. Egan was a long time resident of Tryon, coming from Key West, Fla., in 1991. He wrote three books; his second book, &dquo;The Mafia Curse,&dquo; was published in April 2008 and his most recent book is pending publication.

Mr. Egan worked as an editor, writer, and reporter for the Associated Press, the New York Journal-American and the New York Post. Among the major stories he covered during his 40-year career were the capture and trial of famed bank robber Willie &dquo;The Actor&dquo; Sutton, the executions of Atom spies Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, the mob shootings of gangsters Albert &dquo;The Executioner&dquo; Anastasia, Frank Costello and Joey &dquo;Crazy Joe&dquo; Gallo, the quiz show scandals, the blinding of labor columnist Victor Reisel, the civil rights and anti-war violence of the 1960s and 70s, and the Alice Crimmins and Son of Sam murder cases. In addition to his three books, he wrote hundreds of magazine articles on crime.

He is survived by: one son, Philip D&squo;Arbanville and wife Michele of Topanga, Calif.; one daughter, Patricia D&squo;Arbanville of New York; one brother, Robert Egan of Ohio; one sister, Lorriane T. Reff. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Jesse Johnson, Emmelyn, Alexandra, and Liam Quinn.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008 at 4 p.m. in Holy Cross Episcopal Church, with the Rev. Dr. Michael Doty officiating.

Memorials can be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Drive, Columbus, N.C. 28722.

An online guest register can be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel of Tryon is in charge of arrangements.

‐ paid obituary