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Michael Patrick Finnegan

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Malvern Preparatory School Lehigh University

Michael Finnegan Obituary

FINNEGAN, MICHAEL PATRICK

Suddenly on December 10, 2002 of Woodstown, NJ, formerly of Bala Cynwyd, PA. Michael was a loyal alumnus of Waldron Academy '77, Malvern Prep '81 and Lehigh University '86. Survived by his wife, Linda (nee Lau); his mother, Loretta P., M.D. (nee Podolak); his father, James O., M.D. and his wife, Linda; his brothers, Mark O., M.D. and his wife, Joanne; Matthew J., M.D. and his wife, Kathryn; Martin D., Esq. and his wife, Patricia; his sisters, Maureen Finnegan Edelson, M.D. and her husband, Mark and Caitlin E. Finnegan; also his 13 loving nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Thursday and Friday, 6 to 9 p.m. at the ROBERT L. D'ANJOLELL MEMORIAL HOME OF BROOMALL, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA. Relatives and friends are also invited to his funeral mass on Saturday, December 14, 11 a.m. at St. Matthias Catholic Church, Highland and Bryn Mawr Ave., Bala Cynwyd, PA. Contributions in his memory to the Michael Patrick Finnegan Foundation, P.O. Box 614, Broomall, PA 19008 would be appreciated.

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

Published by The Washington Post on Dec. 12, 2002.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Finnegan

Sponsored by The Michael Patrick Finnegan Foundation.

23 Entries

Willie

May 15, 2009

Another summer is coming. As always I'll
keep you in my prayers. Talked with Tiny
on Monday night. Of course your name came up and a few laughs to follow. Keep looking over my family and I will toast you this summer on the beach!!!!

John W

February 20, 2009

Finn,
Time passes ever so quickly. Still think of you and the many great times together. Continue to watch over us.
Willie

John Williamson

August 20, 2008

Michael,
Could use a little down here. Family
is on slippery slope and money is becoming an issue. I pray often and could use some of that Finnegan insight.
Willie

May 15, 2008

Hey Finn,
I trust & pray you are still looking down on us with a loving eye.
I'll keep you in my prayers.
Willie

John J Williamson

March 10, 2008

Hey Michael,
It's Willie. Thinking of you anf keeping you in my prayers.
Watch over the old gang
Willie

May 9, 2007

Hey Finn,
It's just feels good to think about the old days. Catching up with alot of Waldron people and

John Williamson

May 7, 2007

Well Michael,
It's been some time now and i guess most have moved on but please know that Tiny and I still chat on a weekly schedule and your name comes up often. Please keep looking down on us and we will keep
you in our prayers. The summer is quickly coming and my thoughts will be of you in Avalon at the wee
rest.
Cheers!
Willie

Frank Hickey

February 20, 2003

My old friend. What a loss we all have felt. You made so many friends throughout your shortened life and Im sure they all are saddened. The memories are so many, from Lodges Lane hanging out with Chris Hopkins and Mike Mckeever to the many fun times at Landrillo Road. Football in the front yard, hockey in the rear driveway by the big garage, getting caught smoking cigarettes at Resica Falls and ohh, the 3rd floor parties. As we have grown older, we all have followed different life paths. We did not see each other too much lately but when we did, it was like old times.

Fortunately you finally found love and solitude in Linda. During our round of golf (bachelor party) at Springhaven, I will remember your kind words for Linda and your sheer anticipation of your big day. Linda Im sure will feel your spirit for the rest of her days.

Rest in peace good friend.

I will never forget you.

Frank Hickey

Ken & Lola Yee

January 27, 2003

Dec 10, 2002 - Our good friend, Michael P. Finnegan, passed away to be with the Lord at 12:02 p.m. due to heart failure. Even though we barely know him for 3 months, in many ways, he is very atypical of the American we have met in our short stay in this country. For a start, we find him surprisingly easy to get along with. You will feel totally comfortable in Michael's presence and he is also a good learner at the same time. Not overly bearing at all unlike so many people we've met. Our only regret is that we have not known him earlier. Contrary to what some people think of his relationship with Linda, we believed their coming together is made in heaven and they are made for each other.

We pray that the guiding hand of the Lord will continue to lead Linda in her days ahead as she tries to get over the tragis loss. "Lord! Whatever you have taken away, replace that with Your very self in Linda".

Michael, you are a terribly big loss to many of us. Our hearts ache knowing you have left us but at the same time, we are comforted in the Lord now that you are resting in Him. We will meet again someday since our hope is in the Lord.

You will always be in my memory, our dear friend and brother-in-law

Linda Finnegan

January 7, 2003

The first time I met Michael at my apartment's lobby, he has the biggest smile I can remember. Although I can barely tell what he really looks like underneath his beard and moustache, all he talks about is his family, nephews, nieces and God. I knew right away this man is a keeper. As martin puts it, five(actually six) short years went by, not without persecution, opposition, judgement and disuasion, my only support has always been a sister in the Lord in California and a best friend in Penang. We have been through the worst one can imagine, as Mike said, there is nothing much worse that we can't go through together and he is absolutely right. Love has given us courage to face many who put us down then and now, and to the finnegan's family and all of Mike's close friends, you have been most wonderful to us. Despite all the discouragement of our intent to get married, mike has the best attitude and outlook that make him so unique, so precious and so worthy. The best thing that ever happened to us is that we are husband and wife before God. We have never been happier. To my dearest husband, even if it lasts for a day, I would be happily married to you. Even though you check out early and went to be with the Lord, I am proud and honored to be your wife forever. I may be a young widow, it is just a term, it doesn't matter to me because you are my beloved husband in eternity. I miss you everyday but I know that one day we will meet again.

To all of Mike's close friends, you know who you are, some of you I have probably never met, I know Mike would want me to keep in touch with you all and I will gladly do so, not just for him, but for me also. Mike always tell me that God has given him a special gift and that gift is God in him to be whoever to his family and friends without any reserve or gain for himself. I am a living proof. He has given everything to me including his own life. Mike has lived a full life and he has no regret. He is a pattern to me and to many others. People said love will fade with time, I know my love for my husband will only grow stronger each day.

Michael and Cindy McKeever

December 30, 2002

Michael’s last couple of weeks were a roller coaster. He was truly a great person. My wife and I wrote to Linda and Mike in October. I remember him as a true friend, always with a smile on his face and a story to tell. Here are a couple:

October 22, 2002

Michael and Linda,

Cindy and I are very sorry we could not enjoy your special day with you. What beautiful weather you had for your wedding and I am sure it was a fantastic day. Someday Linda, we will have a chance to meet and I’ll tell you some Michael Finnegan stories from the Wonder Years. I remember when the Finnegan’s moved in across the street, what great luck! Four boys and a girl, all close to me age and all of them with names that started with the letter “M”. At 8 years old, that was really cool, and the kid my age shared the same name, how cool was that!

I remember the clubhouse over your garage, the bike rides and exploration of the woods of Bala Cynwyd, picnicking at Lord & Taylor, someone breaking a window and all of us being hunted down by the coppers, endless games of German spy, hide and seek, capture the flag, kick the can, sardines in the can and cops and robbers. Remember the red and blue coats with the stars on them? Matt was the General, you and I were content to be foot soldiers in his army. The root beer tree, the other clubhouse at David’s house trying to make an ice rink at the McMeekin’s. The more I write, the more memories come flashing in my mind. What pure fun and joy we had! When I play with my kids now, I wonder if they realize how fun it is to be young and carefree.

We have managed to stay in touch over the years, sharing friends and experiences and catching up when we could. As our lives become busier and busier, it’s nice to remember the simpler times when we were kids. It is an honor for me to call you my friend.

Congratulations and best wishes on you life together. May you make many of your own happy memories!! We look forward to seeing you soon.

Added 12/24/2002

I remember hiking to Gulley Run Park with our backpacks full of GI Joe’s and its camping apparatus. We played war in the creek, using the GI Joe boats and following them down the creek. The Boy Scouts were a lot of fun also. We got to go on great trips and see great stuff. John Quinn reminded me of the trip to Andrews Air Force base. I found a great picture of you and Matt , Peter MacFarland and me at the base. Quinn also reminded me that Peter got kicked out after that trip because he whistled at a Major’s wife!

The bike rides over to Llandrillo were always fun for me. The football games on that gigantic lawn were awesome. We had so much fun exploring that house when you first moved in, all of the cool gadgets and the interesting rooms.

The Christmas parties were great also. Your father’s dress code made us all seem like grown ups. It was always a great mix of people and even some drinking occurred. I remember talking to you in the middle of that suffocating crowd at the last Christmas party at the boathouse. We were in the middle of the room and we thought at any moment the floor was going to collapse! We didn’t care, we were young, drunk and stupid.

How about Prep football camp at Camp Neuman? The both of us learning to tape ankles and Chief keeping us busy all the time.

Our lives have been intertwined since you moved into the house on Lodges Lane. I will miss you.

Matthew Finnegan

December 24, 2002

It is hard to imagine or truly believe how the sudden loss of a brother, friend and and irish twin can make you feel. The pain at times takes your breath away. Many things have helped sustain our family during this time. The most significant is the endless, outpouring of Love from friends and relatives.I want to thank everyone for the unbelievable support. I know that Michael is with the Lord as his side wondering what he can do to help all of us. I'm sure he would suggest rekindling our friendships and treasuring our families. Please keep in touch , for it is your love of Michael that will make his memory last forever. And to you Brother , I love you forever, and forever my brother you'll be.

Nydia Hernandez

December 16, 2002

He is another flower that God needs for his bouquet.

Mikie

December 15, 2002

I am just returning home after a long sad weekend in Bala Cynwyd and I am touched by these entries. Michael is my best friend and will always be...My world will never be the same...how can life go on like before? I can hear him now "Calm down Margaret, we'll figure something out".I wish that you who are out of the area could have been there for the Funeral and the Finnegan style party afterwards, I am sure Michael is proud. As My friend Bonzo said "life is short" I plan on living mine in Quality terms,like Finn did...

P.S. David , call me I can't seem to find you.

Kevin McClatchy

December 14, 2002

I believe the measure of a man rests largely on the lives he has touched. The lives Michael touched are many and varied. The loss of him has shocked and jolted us, yet ultimately will remind us of how we may wish to live — with genuine warmth, an unfailing dedication to friends and family and a capacity to enjoy life thoroughly — as Finn did.

"While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil."

Respectfully,

Kevin McClatchy

Michael Orie

December 13, 2002

Michael was a beautiful person and we are all blessed to have shared in his life.

David Sonner

December 13, 2002

Finn,

Hearing the news about you is very sad. You were a good man, and I feel luckly to have known you and called you a friend.

I will miss seeing you on a summer day in Avalon out of nowhere.

God Bless

Edward (Bopper) Smith

December 12, 2002

Finn,

My fondest memory of you was the summer you "mentored" me while working with the Avalon Boro - Trash Gods. Your death has impacted me, but your life has impacted my own life in a much greater way. Thank you, and please watch over your family and friends as they try and understand why God called for you now.

Nancy McKeever Moist

December 12, 2002

I grew up across the street from the Finnegan's and still talk about my wonderful childhood in our neighborhood. What a fun-loving family to have known, Michael will be missed by all whose lives he touched. I will keep your family in my prayers.

Ron Orie, Jr

December 12, 2002

Our thoughts and prayers are with Linda and the entire Finnegan family.

Charles Lamb

December 12, 2002

As I approach the age of 40 Michael's death has hit me hard. I haven't stopped thinking about how much fun, going back some 20 years I had with Fin at all our crazy parties. I went to St. Joe's Prep for a year and was friends with Fenny Fitz and Fin's brother Matt. His other older brother Mark was on the Prep's City Championship football team when Mark was a Senior at the Prep in 1978, I kind of new him, mostly at those crazy Finnegan Christmas parties. My sister Beth is tight with Maureen, was in her wedding and was close with Fin as well. She doesn't even know about this as she is on a six week Caribbean tour and will be devastated. When I went to work in 1982 (after a few months in CA) I went to work with the Argonaut Ins Co in Bala Cynwyd where the Nanny for the Finnegan's, if you will, from Haiti also worked and we had so much fun trading Finnegan stories after the weekends on Monday mornings. I remember the Finnegan's moved the Christmas bash to some auditorium one year because it was out-of-control (I think I was hung over for a week) huge and a blast. I think that's the last time I saw Fin. I am greatly saddened and write this to you to share, with tears in me eyes. Fin is in a better place now and I will celebrate his life tomorrow evening as I attend yet another Christmas party thinking and remembering the insanity of fun I had with Michael Finnegan and his great family at those Christmas parties. I will miss him and miss not being there but my prayers are as loud as Michael's laugh.

John E Flannery

December 12, 2002

Dear Fin-

I am writing this directly to you because I know your spirit lives on among us. It was a pleasure to know you here and I wish you a fond farewell for your newest adventure, back with God. When you meet Him ask Him to help me understand your early departure.

Realize that you left the world a better place than when you arrived and that we love you. I will keep the memory of your smiling face until we meet again.

Sincerely, John E. Flannery

Joanne Kershner Spellane

December 12, 2002

A smart man said: "People won't remember what you said, people won't remember what you did, they will remember how you made them feel". Michael always made me feel like he was very glad to see me; he always made me feel appreciated. I will always remember that.

Joanne Kershner Spellane

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