Michael Joseph Finn
December 28, 1945 – May 31, 2022
AGE 76
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Michael J. Finn announce his passing on May 31, 2022.
Mike lost his battle with PSP (Progressive Supranecular Palsy) after 7 years of fighting this rare neurological disease which affected his mobility, speech, and ability to eat. He was never one to complain but through the support of his family and loving friends and in the words of St. Paul, Apostle, to Timothy “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4.7).
Mike was born in St. John’s on December 28, 1945, to Thomas and Josephine Finn. Mike married Rosemary (McCarthy) 51 years ago in St. George’s, NL. They have five children: Shannon (Paul Harte) Calgary, AB; Suzanne (Michael Shaw) Denver, Colorado; Alison Finn of St. John’s; John Finn (Nicole Smith) of St. John’s, and Mark Finn (Esther Janng-Finn) of Vancouver, B.C. Four grandchildren; Isabel and Michael Shaw (III) of Colorado and Olivia and Arielle Harte of AB.
He also leaves six siblings – Margaret Rickert, James Finn, Gerard Finn, Donald Finn, and William Finn all of St. John’s, and Mary (Boyle) of B.C. He was predeceased by his sister Helen (O’Leary) and brother Frank Finn. He also leaves to mourn many nephews and nieces.
Born in St. John’s, Mike moved to the West Coast (St. George’s) in 1970 where he took a position at the Stephenville Crossing Vocational School, later renamed College of the North Atlantic, as an accounting/business education instructor. He and his family moved to Stephenville in 1989 where they lived for 28 years and he continued teaching at CNA until retirement in 1999. Mike was a well-known leader in the community as he took on numerous multifaceted roles. His zest for adventure, his clever wit and charismatic personality as an Emcee, led him to take on roles at Variety Shows, Community Fundraising Events, and “Irish Shows” where he demonstrated his unique talent. Mike was a very hands-on father often seen driving his family to extra-curricular activities. Mike loved old movies and songs. He certainly taught his children to appreciate and love entertainers like, John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. They were simply a part of the family.
Mike’s family would like to say a sincere thank you to his Medical Team, Dr. Mark Stefanelli and Dr. Vina Broderick. We also recognize and thank his dedicated and reliable caregivers:
Robert Marshall and Charlie Smith. A special thank you to John and Alison who stood by him—no matter the time of day or night especially during the last four years. As your favourite crooner would say, you did it your way Mike Boy, and there is no other way we would rather see you fly. RIP – we love you dad!
In lieu of flowers, a random act of kindness would be appreciated as well as learning about PSP. Visitation will take place on July 4, 2022 from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at Caul’s Funeral Home, 84 LeMarchant Road. Funeral Services will take place on July 5, 2022 at 11 AM St. Teresa’s Parish, Mundy Pond Road, St. John’s. Inurnment to follow at Roman Catholic Cemetery, Kilbride
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Michael Joseph Finn 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Torbay, Province: T-N