Brian P. Finnegan

Brian P. Finnegan, a resident of Boston, MA for 20 years, formerly of Lowell and Chelmsford, MA, passed away on December 6, 2025, at the age of 76. Brian was born in Lowell on August 20, 1949, the son of the late Robert and Rita (Florence) Finnegan.

Brian was the devoted father of Michael S. Finnegan and his wife Andrea of Reading, MA and of the late Ryan M. Finnegan. He was the loving grandfather of Catherine “Kate” and Thomas Finnegan. He was the cherished brother of Robert Finnegan II and wife Mary, Teri Nicholson and husband David, Frances Caster and husband Warren, Mary Jo Gardner and husband Peter, Sharon Roy and husband Michael, Christopher Finnegan, and the late Sean Finnegan. He was also a cherished uncle to Erin (Finnegan) Manning, Robert Finnegan III, Allison (Caster) Doane, Christopher Caster, Timothy Caster, Khara (Nicholson) Mayson, Julie Nicholson, Eric Gardner, and Laura Gardner.

Brian grew up in Lowell and graduated from Keith Academy in 1967 where he was captain of the tennis team. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Lowell State University in 1971. While at Lowell State he was a proud member of the Kappa Delta Phi fraternity, junior class president, and once again, captain of the tennis team. Brian went on to earn his master’s degree in Health Education from San Francisco State University in 1973. He used this degree to begin his career as a health teacher, which would span 30 years in the Chelmsford school system. “Mr. Finnegan” was one of the most beloved teachers to walk the halls of Chelmsford. He formed a real connection and friendship with his students. His classes were filled with smiles, laughter, and the occasional push-up competition (which he always won). Those years were close to his heart and provided him with memories that would last a lifetime. In addition to teaching, he worked as a real estate appraiser for Atherton-Zabbo Realty for over 20 years. He always enjoyed the camaraderie of working with some of his best friends at A-Z. Lastly, Brian had a part-time bartending career which spanned 15 years, with the highlight being his job at top of the Prudential tower from 1974-1978, working alongside his late Uncle Ray.

Brian’s crowning achievement was being a father to his sons Ryan and Michael. In the fall they took long hikes in the forests of Concord and Dunstable. During the winter they enjoyed one of Brian’s true passions, skiing. Every Thursday night they could be found at Nashoba Valley and every other weekend they would hit the slopes of New Hampshire or Vermont. Every summer they would vacation in Martha’s Vineyard. The Vineyard was undoubtedly their special place. In between, there were countless athletic events, and he never missed a single one. Regardless of what Brian, Ryan, and Michael did together, they had a great time. There was no shortage of laughter and love. He was fully committed to his sons and that never changed. Nine years ago, Brian became a grandfather, “Papa.” Spending time with his grandchildren Kate and Thomas became his new passion in life. He considered his daughter in law Andrea “the daughter he never had.” He loved nothing more than being with them, whether it was lunch in the city or relaxing at Forest Street. The joy he got from family was undeniable.

Finally, Brian was a true friend. He had a vast social network all over the Boston area. The crew at Anchovies was his extended family who he genuinely cared for. He lovingly referred to it as “his Cheers.” He enjoyed the laughs, the conversations, watching his beloved Celtics, and the energy of the city.

Brian Finnegan was a good man who will be missed…but never forgotten.

A visitation will be held at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading on Wednesday, December 17th, 2025, from 8:30am to 10:00am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Agnes Church 186 Woburn St. Reading at 10:30am. Burial will follow at Wood End Cemetery in Reading.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Brian’s memory to Boston Children's Hospital at www.giving.childrenshospital.org

For directions and online guest book visit www.douglassfuneralhome.com