Walter "Doc" Finnegan

Walter "Doc" Finnegan, M.D., J.D., 77, of Allentown passed away on August 28, 2021 at St. Luke's Hospital, Allentown. He was the husband of Diane G. (Venditto) Finnegan to whom he was married for 16 years. Born in Orange, NJ he was the son of the late James J. and Margaret (Kelly) Finnegan. In 1961, Walter graduated as class Valedictorian and a multi-sport Varsity athlete from Carteret High School. He received his undergraduate Chemistry degree from Seton Hall University in 1965. While at Seton Hall, his many achievements included an Academic Scholarship, memberships on the Varsity baseball team, and Delta Epsilon Sigma. In 1969, he completed his graduate degree at Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia where he was awarded another Academic Scholarship. Walter began his postgraduate education with an internship at University Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor from 1969-70. He performed public service from 1970-72 with the United States Public Health Service in Salt Lake City, Utah. From 1972-1976, "Doc", as he was affectionately known, completed his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania becoming chief resident in his final year. The following year, Walter was certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. Additionally, he had a three-year mentorship with Richard H. Rothman, M.D., PhD. Upon completion of his formal schooling, Walter began what would be multiple stints at Orthopedic Associates of Allentown. In between, Walter worked at Kraynick and Finnegan. Additionally, Walter worked for Meade Orthopedics at Coordinated Health from June 2010 until January 2014. Walter's quest for personal and professional knowledge was a life-long journey that eventually led him to law school at Nova University earning his Juris Doctor in 1986. He was a former member of Florida Bar Association and was currently performing independent medical-legal evaluations through Orthopedic Medicolegal Opinions, Allentown. Walter was published numerous times throughout his career. Especially dear to Doc was his book, "Is There a Doctor in the [Court] House?" (Published in 2015). Walter had an amazing work ethic and strongly believed that each day should be filled with purpose. This lifelong quest to serve others led to both his medical and legal careers. Among all his achievements, Walter's greatest pride of his life was his family - husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend - never missing an occasion to brag about them, always checking-in with a quick call or text and willingly offer advice. He was extremely proud of his family's service in the United States Armed Forces and reciprocated his thanks with his work at the VA. Walter was also passionate about golf and continuing to improve his game brought him great enjoyment. Surviving are his wife Diane and children: Kathleen, wife of Gregory Burke of Sewell, NJ and their children: Kevin (Kelly), Brian (Kelsey) and Shane; Robert, husband of Christina of Sewell, NJ and their children and great grandchildren: Robert Jr., Maria, Brielle, Cade, Robert III and Julianna; Tracey, wife of Walter Dzierzgowski of Sewell, NJ and their children: Zachary, Jordan, Jacob and Abby; Sarah Finnegan of Montclair, NJ; Drew, husband of Rachel of New Port Richey, FL and their children: James and Thomas; Jamie, wife of Sean Pressmann of Allentown, PA and their children: Jack and Emerson; and Anthony Trinkle, husband of Sarah and their daughter Quinn. Sister: Joyce Finnegan of Seattle, WA. Services: A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 12th, 2021 from 1:00 – 4:00pm at Brookside Country Club, 901 Willow Lane, Macungie. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his honor to The Semper Fi Fund - 715 Broadway Street Quantico, VA 22134 or www.semperfifund.org and the Wings Flights of Hope - 3964 California Road, Orchard Park, New York or www.wingsflight.org. Arrangements entrusted to O'Donnell Funeral Home, Inc., Allentown.