Anthony “Tony” Finnegan

Anthony “Tony” Finnegan passed away peacefully on September 15 surrounded by his family. He was 71.

Tony, born August 7, 1950 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was charismatic, entertaining and a natural storyteller. Tony often said that he was born in the wrong era, as he didn’t own a cellphone, didn’t carry a wallet, and lived in an 19^th century house that he lovingly referred to as “The Burrow.” When walking into his family’s home, reality was suspended, and visitors were transported to a simpler time where conversations and debates over a pint were alive and well. Each holiday decoration was meticulously cared for and each ornament on the Christmas tree represented someone important in his life.

He was a passionate and beloved educator at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School in Coraopolis, Pa until he retired in 2009. To his students, he was known to have a gift for humanizing history, by helping to envision the lives and challenges of the people who influenced events. He was an avid Civil War buff and he and his wife Phyllis York Finnegan, of 48 years, would spend many days steadily walking the battlefields at Gettysburg in the early morning to reflect on the lives and stories of those who lived during the event.

All who knew Tony will never forget his quick wit, intelligence, and creativity, but above all, Tony will be remembered for his deep affection and love for his family and friends. He was unique in the very best of ways and will not soon be forgotten.

He is survived by his wife Phyllis, their three children: Sean, his wife, Stephanie and their children, Piper and Parker of Los Alamos, New Mexico; Shannon Grant, her husband Matt and their children, Hailey and Emma of Venetia, Pennsylvania; and Meaghean Finnegan, her husband David Patterson and their daughter Niamh of Donaghadee, Ireland. In addition, he is survived by sisters, Susan Berg and Cynthia Gigliotti and brothers Dennis and Daniel, as well 18 nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Christine and father, Richard Finnegan.

Friends will be welcomed from 12 p.m. until the time of prayer service at 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 19 at Pittsburgh Cremation and Funeral Care, 3285 Washington Road, McMurray PA, 15317. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks you to consider donations in his name to Gettysburg National Park or the American Battlefield Trust.