Stephen Francis Finnegan

Stephen Francis Finnegan obituary, Lansdowne, PA

Stephen Francis Finnegan

Stephen Finnegan Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Doyle-Stonelake Funeral Home - Lansdowne on Jun. 17, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Stephen Francis Finnegan, born September 18, 1952 in Philadelphia, PA, died on June 16, 2025. Stephen graduated from John Bartram High School in Southwest Philadelphia in 1970. He worked briefly at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard before starting his career on the railroad as a locomotive engineer for Conrail and Septa in 1978. He was a proud member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (B of LE), retiring in 2016 after 38 years of service.
Stephen is survived by his wife Margaret (nee Paulukas) of 51 years, son Matthew (Debbie), daughters Michele and Carolyn and grandsons Bryant and Cameron Cauthorn. He is also survived by his brother Lawrence (Carol) and sister Linda Gwin, sister-in-law Jean Finnegan, in-laws Janet and Steve Karkenny and Joseph and Joanie Paulukas. Stephen was predeceased by his loving mother Elizabeth (nee Crowell), his father Robert Martin, brothers Robert and Michael and brother-in-law John Gwin.
Stephen was active in supporting the Lansdowne Boys and Girls Club. He served as a coach in youth sports and later became a PIAA soccer referee, where he reffed for many years. Stephen also enjoyed playing golf with his friends and fellow railroad retirees and going to his grandsons' high school sporting events. Stephen cherished family gatherings and brought warmth and joy to those around him.
Stephen will be missed by a loving family and friends.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life for Steve on Friday, June 27, 2025 at 1 PM at Anthonys Restaurant (previously The Lamb Tavern), 865 W. Springfield Road, Springfield, PA. 19064.
www.doylestonelake.com
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Stephen Francis Finnegan, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Stephen Finnegan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 3, 2025

Kari Boucher posted to the memorial.

June 28, 2025

Richard Berridge posted to the memorial.

June 28, 2025

Josh Laux posted to the memorial.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Kari Boucher

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Richard Berridge

June 28, 2025

My very extreme condolences to the Finnegan family!

I just actually found out about the passing of Steve today, from a message that a former railroad friend sent. I was basically shocked and saddened, especially that I could not attend and pay my respects. R.I.P. Steve.

I was reading the many comments and memories above and it is easy to see, he was one in a million. In fact, probably an angel and diplomat of God, to help all during his life.

What impressed me most were the comments about how he always helped the new employees. I started on the railroad in 1973 and the air was much different. It was a bit of an air of paranoia, where a lot of old timers thought the new employees were there to take their jobs in some strange way.

Anyway, all of our conversations and interactions were always filled with laughter and great.
My wife past away in 2007 in a unexpected and traumatic manner. Then, I eventually got remarried. So, some time later Steve and were in a conversation at Frazer Yard and asked about my new wife. I told Steve, she was a nurse and took care and drove around a man in Media. As soon as I began to describe him, Steve got a weird look on his face, then almost fell on the floor laughing. He then said "Alex Karkenny", then began to tell me about his family connection and knowing him well. Anyway, "small world" !!

My apologies for this long rant but had to share. I hope someday to be with Steve again in a special place again and carry on conversation, roasting each other hilariously, and being at peace.

R.I.P - Wonderful, special, soul !!

Josh Laux

June 28, 2025

Mr. Finnegan was the best. He used to call my name out after a game and say "outstanding, outstanding." I didn't have a consistent father figure. He absolutely recognized that and intentionally took the time to build me up. I ate at the house all the time and was always invited to the pool and hang out with Matt. I can't say enough about what an influence he had on me, especially the way he built me up, helped me be confident, and made me feel welcome. "Mechanics" he would always say, whenever I was pitching a game. I bet that word will bring up some memories for others. That was a long time ago I guess but feels like yesterday. Time just goes so fast. Other people's parents rarely care about someone else's kids these days. He was a gift for me. He was outstanding

Jessica Paulukas

June 25, 2025

It feels like yesterday you were sitting at the kitchen table with Noah talking about baseball, we miss you uncle Steve you are missed terribly

Terri Yamiolkowski

June 23, 2025

Dearest Margaret and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved Steve. I have so so many fond memories of Steve's compassion and sense of humor as you welcomed our family to share many many holidays and celebrations. What a fine example of a loving husband and a wonderful role model Steve was for your children and grandchildren.
I smile when I think about Steve's frequent use of the phrase...
" you look Mahvelous"
I will hold you all in my thoughts and prayers and send lots of love from afar.
With Love,
Terri Yamiolkowski

John Dawson

June 23, 2025

Very sorry to hear of Steve´s passing. I always appreciated his quick wit as well as his directness and the fact he never told me to get off his headend. He was a good man. My condolences to the family.

David Kings

June 23, 2025

I first met Steve working as a Fireman (vice-Engineer) out of Reading Terminal in 1980. There was a morning round trip to Reading and he asked me to liven up the return cab when we got to the end of the line. Thereafter I saw him at Port Richmond on the road freights, then later as our Treasurer in the BLE Local at SEPTA. I never saw the man in a bad mood and at the retirees luncheons, he'd make sure to say hi to me.

Korey Terry

June 19, 2025

Steve always had a smile and positive attitude. I enjoyed our conversation and insight shared. I was always appreciative to Steve for always taking a moment to make me feel accepted on the Railroad and providing words of wisdom over the years. My sincere condolences to the family and friends. Steve you will be missed. Rest Well In Paradise

William Inglesby

June 19, 2025

Steve and I have been friends since we were in diapers. We had fantastic times over the years both good and sometimes we would get in trouble but we always covered for one another.
I will miss him dearly and never forget the good times we had. We will be together again along with our family and friends
Love you my brother and miss you

Single Memorial Tree

William Inglesby

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Elizabeth Mellon

June 18, 2025

Those we love don't go away they stand beside us everyday. Steve will always be in or hearts and mind!

Laurie McCullough

June 18, 2025

Sending lots of Prayers to Michele and the entire Finnegan family during this difficult time

Vince hubis

June 18, 2025

Like brothers for over 55 years! He made family ! I miss you !

Howard Patton

June 18, 2025

My sincere condolences and prayers to the family. May Steve rest in eternal peace.

Jeremy M Fallis

June 18, 2025

I have very fond memories of Steve, always a smile and a handshake-my condolences to all his family. The love of friends and family carries you through your grief.

SusanFlynn

June 18, 2025

Dear Michele & Family,

Sending you our deepest sympathy for the loss of your Father/Husband. Wishing for you to have peace & prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.

Thanks,
Ann, Carole P., Debbie & Susan F.

Tanya (Yamiolkowski) Scott

June 18, 2025

Margaret and Family,

I have the fondest memories of so many holidays and pool bbqs where you included our family as your own. Steve was always boisterous and brought joy and laughter to the room. You all are in our thoughts.

Joseph Burke

June 18, 2025

Steve I can remember my first days on the railroad and how patient you were with me always great conversation about any subject I will miss you buddy and thank you for all you did for me my condolences to the family

Kay

June 18, 2025

Margaret & Family,
Steve was such a wonderful man, even though I didn't know him well. Whenever I saw him he was always so very welcoming & joyful.
He will be with you always in your heart & no matter how much fun had passed, his heart is snags joined with yours.
Hugs to you all, Kay Civatte

Single Memorial Tree

Vincent Ricciardi

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Vincent Ricciardi

June 18, 2025

My sincere condolences to the Finnegan family on Steve's passing. Always a pleasure to work with on the railroad. Helped me when I started and always had time for the new guys. RIP my friend

Rich Gallagher

June 18, 2025

RIP Steve. I really enjoyed the time I spent with you at work. I´ll forever miss you my friend.

Gregory harhi

June 18, 2025

Steve what can I say you were a happy kind man always positive with a smile and good word you will be sadly missed by all sad for your family and us railroad community love ya brother

AnnMarie Sweeny

June 18, 2025

My deepest sympathy to you and your family!

Marty McShea

June 18, 2025

Steve was a great man, trained me to run a train when I first became an engineer and later had many good talks at Frazer Yard. I will always have fond memories of him. RIP brother.

Janet Karkenny

June 17, 2025

John M Young

June 17, 2025

My condolences to Steve´s family & friends. I had the pleasure of working with him and he always had a smile. Steve was a great Engineer & always had time for the younger guys. I´m going to miss him. RIP old friend.

Enoch Butler

June 17, 2025

I am so sorry to here of the lost. Steve always smiling, cheerful and treated me well during my brief time at SEPTA. My condolences to the family.

Bob Procknow

June 17, 2025

To my friend Steve, I miss you on Tuesday for breakfast and golf. Be more than anything else I will miss your friendship that we´re had all these years. Until we meet again my friend keep smiling

Megan Moran-Sands

June 17, 2025

Sending love to the Finnegan´s and all of your friends and family. He will be deeply missed. Any time I think of him I immediately hear his voice saying "Marvelous." Rest easy, Mr. Finnegan. Thanks for being a big part of my childhood

Patricia Riley

June 17, 2025

What a great guy you were. So many happy memories on the railroad

Kevin P. Williams Sr.

June 17, 2025

Steve had a knack for making you feel welcome in a work environment
that was less than friendly to new hires. I was sadden to hear of his passing but he will forever be remembered for
GOING THE EXTRA MILE WITH A SMILE!!!

Tierney

June 17, 2025

I love Mr. Finnegan. He always told me when I played well and when I could have played better for Bonner. I always appreciated the way he never sugar coated it, just told you the way he saw it. Thanks for letting me hang out with Matt at your house all the time.

John O´Brien

June 17, 2025

Tony Verrecchio

June 17, 2025

I'm SO sorry to hear of the passing of my friend and Brother Locomotive Engineer he was a typical RRer we laughed broke each other's stones and looked out for each other like family spending most of life's together Steve was an excellent engineer union man and most importantly a good man he will be greatly missed by all of us old head RRers RIP MY BROTHER

Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results

Doyle-Stonelake Funeral Home - Lansdowne

85 East Baltimore Avenue, Lansdowne, PA 19050

Make a Donation
in Stephen Finnegan's name

How to support Stephen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Stephen Finnegan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored anonymously

Sign Stephen Finnegan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 3, 2025

Kari Boucher posted to the memorial.

June 28, 2025

Richard Berridge posted to the memorial.

June 28, 2025

Josh Laux posted to the memorial.