Joseph Finnegan

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Joseph Patrick Finnegan, Jr., who left us peacefully on Friday, April 3, 2026, at the age of 80.

Joe was many things—a devoted husband, loving father, educator, mentor, innkeeper, and friend—but above all, he was a man who lived with purpose, generosity, and a deep love for people.

Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, and raised in Swansea, Joe's lifelong commitment to service began early: earning the rank of Eagle Scout, teaching swimming, supervising children as a camp counselor and serving as class president throughout high school. He went on to dedicate his career to education, earning advanced degrees and becoming a passionate advocate for children who were deaf and hard of hearing. His leadership as Principal, Headmaster, President, and later Executive Director of the Council of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD), a nationwide professional organization supporting programs for deaf students, teachers, and administrators, helped shape and support countless lives across the country.

In 1985, Joe and Margaret bought the St. Francis Inn Bed & Breakfast and began their journey as Innkeepers. When they returned to St. Augustine in 1996, Joe embraced innkeeping with the same passion he brought to education. He believed hospitality was about connection—creating a place where guests felt seen, welcomed, and at home. He truly never met a stranger. Guests became friends, and friends became family.

Joe loved St. Augustine deeply and gave back to the community through countless community organizations and foundation boards including the Historic Society, the Visitor and Convention Bureau (VCB), the Saint Augustine Historic Inns (SAHI) , the Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council (TDC) and Tourism Advisory Boards at both the high school and college levels. He was a devoted member of St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church and served as Senior Warden for many years. He especially enjoyed mentoring individuals and wanted young people and new professionals (whether in education or hospitality and tourism) to succeed.

He found joy in life's simple pleasures—travel, sailing, skiing, biking, tennis, meaningful conversations, a good glass of wine, and sharing stories with those around him. Above all, Joe loved people.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Margaret, and their children, Patrick and Elizabeth, who meant the world to him.

Joe's legacy lives on in the lives he touched—in education, in hospitality, and in the heart of this community he loved so dearly.

We will miss him beyond words.


Memorial Service

Tuesday, April 14 at 10:00 AM
St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church
37 Lovett Street, St. Augustine, FL
Service will be Live Streamed
(Interpreters for the deaf will be present)

Wake

Tuesday, April 14 at 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Meehan's Irish Pub (Johnny's Oyster Bar upstairs)
20 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084


For those wishing to honor Joe's life, memorial donations may be made to:

St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church, 37 Lovett Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084

or

The Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, 100 W. School House Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19144