John Edwin Finigian

John Edwin Finigian, a resident of Monroe, North Carolina and formerly of Florida and Stoneham, Massachusetts died on Thursday, September 23, 2021, at age 58 after a long battle with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. John was born in Boston, MA on June 2, 1963, the son of the late Mary G. (Kelley) Finigian and Martin Finigian and stepson of Charlotte A. (Burns) Finigian. Although his illness caused great challenges and struggles for John, he was still able to accomplish many things throughout his life including learning to swim and driving a car with hand controls. As a child, John had prolonged stays at Shriners Hospital for Children in Boston and their staff made sure he stayed current with his schoolwork so he wouldn't fall behind his classmates. He attended Green Street Baptist Church, graduated Stoneham High School in 1981 and attended Bentley College. Later, John worked as a financial advisor for State Street Bank and then worked in inside sales for an office supply company. When John's disease progressed, he moved to Florida to be closer to his father and escape the cold and snow. Through it all, John maintained a great sense of humor and quick wit. He enjoyed making family and friends laugh, telling stories and sharing dreams of travel to faraway places. While he was not able to travel, he enjoyed watching travel videos, especially of rail travel. In early 2019, John moved to North Carolina to be closer to his brother and sister-in-law. He spent his time reaching out to family and friends, and while he couldn't be with them physically, he loved to video chat with them so that he could be included in a beach day, a party, or even a camping trip. While at Accordius Health, John put together travel presentations and narrated them for the other residents. He was also an avid reader and greatly enjoyed playing and teaching others cribbage. Although his health and mobility continued to decline, he never gave up on his hopes and dreams or lost his sense of humor. John was one of the oldest living survivors with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, which brought John much pride. He always hoped that in some way his living with this disease would benefit others who also struggled. John was the brother of Martin Finigian and his wife Laura of North Carolina, and the late Martha "Ann" Finigian. Uncle of Jennifer Finigian of North Carolina and Stephanie Finigian of Massachusetts. Nephew of Eileen Duff of Massachusetts, Frances DiFabio of Florida and Beverly Finigian of Massachusetts. He had six stepsiblings, many cousins and a close circle of friends. Relatives and friends are invited to gather in honor and remembrance of John's life during visiting hours at the Green Street Baptist Church, 179 Green St., Melrose on Tuesday, Oct. 19 from 9-10am, followed by his Memorial Service at 10am. Masks are required for all in attendance. Interment at Lindenwood Cemetery, Stoneham. Gifts in John's memory may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114 or online at www.shrinerschildrens.org/locations/boston