Michael J. Gegan
Dec. 8, 1949-June 13, 2023
Menlo Park, California

Michael J. Gegan, 73, of Menlo Park, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2023, with his wife, Lucy and daughter, Lauren by his side. He was active until two weeks before his death, dining out with friends and family, going on walks along the Palo Alto creek, and spending time on the deck in his back yard.

A longtime resident of the Bay Area, he was born in Pacifica, California, on December 08, 1949, the oldest son of John and Patricia Gegan. He graduated from Oceana High School, then went on to earn a BS EE degree from the University of Santa Clara and was hired by Lockheed Martin in Sunnyvale, where he worked for over 40 years. He was highly respected and known for his intellect, creativity, and dedication to his work.

Michael was a loving husband and father. He met his wife Lucy, of Menlo Park while hiking with the American Youth Hostel in San Francisco. They were married for 44 years and had one daughter, Lauren, of Los Angeles.

He had an extraordinary devotion to his family, as well as a life marked by intellectual curiosity, with an encyclopedic memory, and a deep appreciation of the natural environment. He was also a passionate hiker, traveler, and animal lover. He loved hiking trails in Yosemite National Park, visiting Maui, and spending time with his golden retriever, Daisy. He also enjoyed going out to eat on the weekends, especially at Left Bank or Bistro Vida, where he would always order a vodka martini with two olives and enjoy a cup of French onion soup.

Together Michael and his wife Lucy spent many Saturdays as volunteers at Filoli Historic House and Garden, Sundays teaching CCD classes at Nativity Church, and every year they were sure to be found at the Nativity Carnival - where they were best known for running the silent auction.

Their family and friends enjoyed many magical summers together exploring beaches all over the world and leaving fun memories of trips to Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita, St. Barts, St. Martin, Anguilla, Cancun, Cabo, Tulum, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and of course their annual trip to Maui. Michael loved to swim in the ocean and feel the sand beneath his toes. As an adventure seeker, he traveled the world and encouraged his daughter to do the same, teaching her to always explore and never stop learning. As a father, Michael was close to perfect.

Michael will be remembered for his brilliance, sense of adventure, and love of sunshine. He faced significant health events bravely and without self-pity and, until this last event, conquered them all. His intelligence and humor touched the lives of many, he was a loving brother, a good friend, a gracious neighbor, and very talented engineer and colleague. Those who met Michael, will always remember him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Mission House Hospice.

Tags: arts/media, teacher/educator, business, public service