Thomas F Finnegan

Thomas F. Finnegan, 86, of Worcester passed away peacefully at home, Tuesday, May 21st 2013 with his family gathered beside him. Thomas was born in Worcester, one of four children of Irish immigrants Michael and Katherine (Murphy) Finnegan. He graduated from St. Stephen's High School. Then joined the U.S. Navy during World War II to serve his country. Upon returning home, Tom enrolled in Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis to study cooking and kitchen skills. He returned to Worcester to begin a 35 year career with the J.J. Nissen Baking Company before retiring. He then began a second career working the next 11 years for the Worcester Art Museum. In the mid-sixties Tom met and in 1967 married the woman who would become his wife for the next 46 years, Carol Ann Awad. Together they settled in Worcester to raise their four children and have lived here ever since. Tom is survived by the family he loved so much; his wife Carol Ann; his children and their families, Robert A. Finnegan, his wife Laurie and their children, Jonathan, James and Ryan of Dudley, Stephanie A. Finnegan and her daughters, Heather and Sarah of West Brookfield, Michael T. Finnegan, his wife Renee and their children Matthew, Jaylynn and Kevin, a daughter in law, Cheryl Finnegan; a great granddaughter he cherished Jenna; Many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Tom was pre deceased by his son David M, who passed away in 2011, a brother Henry and sisters, Mary Malboeuf and Margaret Paradise. Tom was a member of St Stephen's Church and the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers' International Union. He was an aspiring artist who found a love for painting, especially landscapes. He also enjoyed chess, gardening, the outdoors, fishing, camping, walking and watching sports with his children. During summers, Tom and his family also enjoyed the beaches of Cape Cod and New Hampshire. The family man in Tom led him to become a dedicated husband and father. He cherished the ability to be with his wife, children and grandchildren. They were his life. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family, Friday May 24th from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANATE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be held Saturday, May 25th from the funeral home with a Mass celebrated at 10:00 am in St. Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton St. Burial with Military honors will be in St. John's Cemetery.