Ellwood C. Egan

Ellwood C. Egan Sr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on April 1, 2026. Born in Chicago in 1938 to the late Ellwood S. Egan and Mary Van Patten, along with his stepfather, Franklin Miller. He is also preceded in death by his adored Mother-in-Law, Norine Culhane. Al is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Katharine (née Culhane). Their love for one another began even earlier when their families lived across the hall from each other on the West Side of Chicago. He was a devoted father to Ellwood “Chip” Egan, Nora (Bill) Renner, Katharine Mary “Camay” (Scott) Nelson, and Terry Egan. He was a cherished grandfather to Madeline, Mary, Michael, Daniel, (who is currently serving in the United States Navy),and Rebecca, and is reunited in Heaven with his beloved grandson Joey.

Al loved his sisters-in-law Rita Ryan and Nora Pingel. For Al, marrying into the Culhane sisterhood gave him great companionship amongst his brother-in-laws, Gary Pingel and the late Tom Ryan. He was also a proud and loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. His Van Patten and Culhane cousins were dear to him his whole life as well.

Ellwood, known as “Al” to his friends and family, will be deeply remembered and cherished by the many lives he touched. He had a remarkable gift for connection—rarely going anywhere without encountering someone he knew—a true testament to his warmth, friendliness, and genuine nature. His bright and welcoming spirit, sense of humor, devotion to family and community, and deep appreciation and gratitude for life are just a few of the qualities that make him truly irreplaceable.

Al’s Father, a Chicago Police detective, was killed in the line of duty in 1944. This profound loss shaped Al’s life and influenced his decision to join the Chicago Police Department in 1962. He was promoted to detective in the late 1970s and went on to serve with distinction. Al found great camaraderie in his partners throughout the years, all of whom became lifelong friends beyond their time in the force together. During his career, he was involved in several high-profile cases and protective assignments, including serving on security details for Pope John Paul II in 1979, Vice Mayor David Orr in 1987, and President George H.W. Bush in 1991. He served on the Chicago FBI Task Force for more than 20 years and retired from the Chicago Police Department in 2000. Some of his favorite stories to tell were from working security for movies being filmed in Chicago. His most memorable was working on the Blues Brothers set where Dan Aykroyd had the pleasure of meeting “the real” Ellwood. Al remained a dedicated supporter of the Chicago Police Gold Star Families and the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.

Al and Kay had the fortune of buying their first house on Melvina Avenue in Chicago which would become the cornerstone of their family’s life. From the infamous block parties, to the many years spent down the street at Dunham Park coaching baseball, attending his kids games and annual picnics. Al was also a person of deep faith which is what brought him and his family to St. Robert Bellarnine where lifelong friendships and everlasting memories were made. In every aspect of his life he brought kind words, joy and endless laughs to those around him.

Al and Kay found their oasis from the Chicago winters in their home at Innisbrook in Florida. They cherished time spent with great friends, old and new, doing the things they loved here and got the opportunity to relax after a life of hard work. Their Innisbrook friends meant the world to them. Here, Al’s grandkids shared some of their favorite memories with their Grandpa, who was known to jump in the pool right alongside them or always encourage a trip to the ice cream shop together.

Al’s legacy is a testament of a warm welcome to those he knew, making you feel at ease, and valued. He will be remembered as a cherished husband, father, grandfather and friend. If you were lucky enough to know Al Egan then you were lucky enough!

Family and friends are invited to gather for a memorial visitation on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cooney Funeral Home, 625 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, Illinois 60068. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church, 6955 North Hiawatha Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60646.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Al’s memory to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation (cpdmemorial.org).