Michael P. Finnegan Sr.

Michael Patrick Finnegan,Sr., of South Harrison Township, New Jersey, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on June 24, 2026, at the age of 89. Michael was born In Philadelphia, PA., on December 16, 1936 to his loving parents, Mary Elizabeth (Quigley) Finnegan and John Joseph Finnegan, Sr. He was predeceased by his parents, as well as his brothers John, Joe, and Bill Finnegan. Michael lived a life devoted to his beloved wife of 52 years, Phyllis P. Finnegan (Geiger), who preceded him in death. He is survived by his children Michael Finnegan (Barbara), Theresa Finnegan-Bowen (Robert), and Susan Straub (Craig). He was the proud grandfather to Victoria Straub, Sean Straub, Brett (Ashley) Soper, Tara (Teron) Mason, Cody Bowen, Robert (Autumn) Bowen, and Judy (Sam) Gonnelli. He was also blessed with many great-grandchildren. He will also be deeply missed by his cherished cat, Cat Benatar and his grand dogs Spuds and May. Michael grew up in Southwest Philadelphia with his parents and brothers. He attended Saint Barnabas School and West Catholic High School. As a teenager, after the tragic loss of his father, he finished high school by attending night classes, so that he was able to help support his family. He was employed at Mclaughlin Paper Company in Philadelphia, where he worked until he attained his high school diploma and after which, he chose to enlist in the U.S. Navy. Michael had a successful 28 year career in the Navy and Navy Reserves, serving during several military conflicts including the Korean War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. A few of the ships he served on and was proud to reminisce about were the J. Douglas Blackwood (DE-219), the USS Patterson (FF-1061), and the USS Harold J. Ellison (DD-864). He continued his military experience in the Naval Reserves, while pursuing the start of his new career with Alling and Cory Paper Company in Philadelphia. After finally retiring from both Alling and Cory and the Navy he found himself unable to settle into retirement, He then took a position of employment in maintenance with the Harrison Township Elementary School, where he enjoyed the energy of working in a school and loved to come home with countless funny stories about the staff and children, who affectionately referred to him as Mr. Mike. His years of dedication and service to the Navy held a treasured place in his heart and was only surpassed by the love he had for his family. Michael cherished his family above all else. He and his wife, Phyllis, were the perfect team. They took raising their children as their top priority and worked together to build the best life possible for them. They started out raising their family in a neighborhood in Southwest Philadelphia and while it was a tough decision to move away from close family, they ultimately made a move to New Jersey, first to West Deptford and finally to a horse farm in South Harrison. Although it was a “horse farm” he and his brother John did try their hands at raising chickens, turkeys, and pigs. To say Michael will be missed is truly an understatement. He lived a life to be proud of and poured every ounce of himself into whatever he was involved in. His life was full and he had his share of adventures. He lived through the best times and some of the most unimaginable tough times and always handled it all with dignity and resolve. Losing Phyllis, the love of his life ten years ago, obviously shook him to his core. He was a tough Irishman through and through but losing his partner and best friend was the ultimate test. Unsurprisingly, he pulled himself and his family together through all the heartache and kept them going. He had no doubt that he would be with her again. Knowing that he is finally back together with her and the family that moved on before him is a small comfort, but not having him here is without a doubt a difficult thought to process. The memories and funny stories of a man so dearly loved will keep him alive in spirit. Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Tuesday June 30, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at The Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit Church, 17 Earlington Ave., Mullica Hill N.J .08062. A funeral mass will be held immediately following visitation at 11:00 AM. A committal service will follow at the Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 240 N Tuckahoe Road, Williamstown, NJ 08094. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Woods-N-Water: https://woodsnwater.org/donate-woods-n-water/

Michael P. Finnegan Sr.

December 16, 1936 - June 24, 2026