FINNEGAN

SEAN MICHAEL FINNEGAN

Sean Michael Finnegan was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 30, 1971. He passed away at age 50 during the afternoon of April 29, 2022, in Washington, DC. He was an active and athletic young man who played multiple sports at Downers Grove South High School. Sean continued to Murray State University and graduated with a degree in Marketing and Advertising, and a lifelong and prolific collaboration with Melody (Helgerson) Finnegan that culminated in seven children.

Sean launched his three-decade career in New York with BBDO with notable stops at OMD and Starcom, before the entrepreneurial thirst could no longer be sated. He founded the C4 consultancy and The Room, and co-founded The Chameleon Collective. His latest creation is VO Partners. Sean had a passion for knowing people and connecting them in both the social and business realms. Sean served as a mentor to many, at all career stages. Sean was known for his foresight, innovative thinking, acerbic wit, quick smile, hearty laugh, and physical humor. He was sought after as a lecturer in business and academia. He was a collector of sports and political paraphernalia, and just as quick to donate to a charitable cause. His patriotic passion led him to co-found the TD Foundation to aid the children of wounded warriors.

Sean is survived by his wife, Melody (Helgerson) Finnegan of Pierre South Dakota; seven children, Hunter, Claire, Morgan, Logan, Declan, Cuyler, and Keefer. He is further survived by his mother Teri, brothers Paul, Conor, Patrick, Kenny, and sister Celene. Sadly, he was preceded in death by his father Michael in the past year.

Services will be held on Monday, May 16, 2022, 1 p.m. CDT at Willow Creek Community Church, 67 Algonquin Road, South Barrington, IL 60010. Information on the live-stream is available at

www.FriendsofFinnegan.com

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

Published by The Washington Post on May 8, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Sean Finnegan

15 Entries

marilyn & dean bapes

January 7, 2025

You left us too soon!

The Hultgren Family and Staff

May 3, 2022

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Dean & Marilyn Bapes

April 30, 2024

Sean was a super guy--always a smile and a kind word. He loved to talk about his family. We miss you buddy.

Dean Bapes

April 30, 2023

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sean's wife and family. Prayers that the memories he has left you with keep you strong.

Dean Bapes

April 30, 2023

Sean was a kind and gentle man with a great sense of humor. We enjoyed talking with him whenever he came to the store--we miss you Sean.
Dean & Marilyn Bapes

Tari Blalock

May 16, 2022

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Melody and their children. Sean was a former Yahoo along with a number of us who worked hard to make the world a better place by connecting others to something big. All the while contributing his brilliant ideas and massive sense of humor to make everyone feel like family.

You're going to be missed, Sean!

Tari, Scott and Morgan
The Blalock Family

Tim Hanley

May 14, 2022

Sean was one upstanding Man, Husband, Dad, Friend as well as being one of the most genuine, caring and outgoing Advertising industry Executive who made time for EVERYONE! He truly was a connector who cared, not just about business outcomes yet, his employees, colleagues, clients and industry friends' well-being and their career success. He was always there for me when needing job-search networking assistance, intro's & referrals. For that, I will forever be very grateful! Rest-in-Peace, My Friend. May God Be Holding You in the Palm of His Hand.

Donelle Duvall

May 13, 2022

We are sending our deepest sympathies and love to all the Finnegans at this difficult time. Prayers for each of you from The Huth Family.

LOREN ANDERSON

May 13, 2022

Melody, GOD BLESS & CONSOLE you & yours in your season of sorrow!
Loren "Bill" Anderson

Dean & Marilyn Bapes

May 9, 2022

We were so saddened to hear of his passing. He was the kindest man one can possibly meet who loved his family 1000%. May he rest in peace and know that the world and our lives were better to have him in it. God Bless his wife and children

Joyce Lee

May 9, 2022

Melody and Family, Please accept mine and Bob’s deepest condolences in the lost of our friend Sean. Robert and Joyce Lee

Danny Brown (“DB”)

May 7, 2022

Our years together at Murray State and 1505 W. Main were too few but Sean made an indelible impression everyone he met. I am a better person for having known him and am honored to have been able to call him my friend and brother in Christ. Godspeed, Little Brother.

Forever In ZAX
Danny Brown
Lambda Eta 697

Heather Hathaway Miranda

May 6, 2022

We didn't talk frequently and had lost touch for years but once we reconnected we would constantly try to one up each other with a better joke or pun...or even the most hilarious Spanish word or phrase (that he could think of) for the moment.

I will miss mi Amigo.

Mel and the kids,
I loved cracking up with Sean as I'm sure you did. I will try to share some good stories with you and all the photos I have. I know it won't compare to having him with you but I hope they may bring some comfort, a smile, or warmth to your heart.
With friendship and support,
Heather

Tom ONeil

May 4, 2022

Great client, friend and an even better husband and father!

David Upton

May 4, 2022

Melody Betty and I have you in our prayers. We can only imagine the grief you are going through now. Trust God for your strength and solace in your grief. Love you and all your family.

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