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Paul Bartle Egan

On May 5, Paul Bartle Egan passed away, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and compassion that touched the hearts of all who knew him. Born on June 19, 1957, in Summerville, New Jersey, to Phyllis (Fluff) Bartle and Lawrence Edward Egan, Paul’s life was a symphony of love and generosity that will echo in the hearts of his loved ones forevermore.

A gifted soul with a heart full of love, Paul was a beacon of hope. He cherished every opportunity to share his talents and be of assistance to others, and his tireless work as “The Bike Guy” and Puddles the Clown brought joy and happiness to countless children and families. His advocacy work with the Bike & Pedestrian Alliance and his work at Bike Safety Day with Clinton Families Helping Families and the Clinton Police Department made his community a more vibrant place.

Paul’s educational journey took him from Watchung Hills High School in New Jersey to Lafayette College, where he honed his skills as a professional mechanical engineer. He spent 28 years at The Lee Company, designing test stands and equipment with a passion for finding better ways to improve and develop products. He also worked as an engineer for Times Microwave and Egan Machinery, where his expertise and dedication were a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence.

Paul’s spiritual journey was one of deep introspection and contemplation. Born into a free-thinking home, he grew to study the Bible and became a believer. He was a 35-year member of a Monday Night Men’s Study Group, where he shared his questions, his beliefs, and himself with his beloved brothers. Paul celebrated 42 years of continuous sobriety on May 9, and his unwavering faith in the fellowship and healing of AA was a testament to his strength and resilience and his belief in the power of love and service.

A lover of all things outdoors, Paul’s hobbies included biking, hiking, kayaking, and coin collecting. He was a conservationist who had a love for fixing things and sharing his vast knowledge of life’s details with others. His gentle spirit and infectious smile made him a beloved member of his community, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Liz thanks Smilow Cancer Center, the Hema/Transplant Teams, and the skilled and caring staff who assisted Paul in so many ways. His tribute song, “North Pavilion Girls,” was his testament to their excellent care. The Bike Guy Boosters team will ride again in September’s Closer to Free Ride.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, at Andrews Memorial Town Hall, 54 E. Main Street in Clinton. The event will feature performances by each of the choral and theater families that Paul participated in, followed by a potluck reception with music by Tug in the Grass. It will be a time to remember the light that Paul brought into the world and the love that he shared with all who knew him.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Liz Bermel Egan; daughter Rachel J. Egan (Matt Weiler); son Loyal B. Egan; brother David Egan (Victoria Casa-Egan); sister Sally Powell (Steve Faler); granddaughters, Reese and Quinn Weiler; Aunt Betty Melin and Aunt Doris Egan; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews whom he loved dearly and enjoyed wholeheartedly.

In lieu of flowers, Liz encourages those whom Paul has touched to follow his example of giving and donate to the organization through which they knew him best. Funds have been set up in Paul’s honor for each organization he participated in. A full list of funds and ways to give will be available in the program at the Celebration of Life and will be posted and updated online at www.lizegan.com. Through each of us, Paul’s smile and his legacy will continue to shine. He was a gift to us all. He will remain in our hearts forever.