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Robert Maras Finnegan

December 13, 1950 - May 23, 2022

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Obituary For Robert Maras Finnegan

Robert Maras Finnegan Age 71, peacefully at home with his family, of Baldwin, formerly of Brookline, on May 23, 2022.

Survived by his wife, Diane DeFilippo Finnegan, his mother, Amelia Maras Finnegan, his brother, Daniel Finnegan, his children, Patrick (Christine) Finnegan, and Robert James Finnegan (Trent Michaels), his grandchildren, Mila and Ellie, and many loving cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. Preceded in death by his father, Robert Clemens Finnegan, and his sister-in-law, Dawn Turney Finnegan. Robert was the epitome of a survivor. At the age of 34, he was given a small chance of survival when diagnosed with an invasive brain tumor. He defied the odds, beat the cancer, and returned to work shortly thereafter. The ensuing decades brought more illness, though, leading to three additional surgeries, many debilitating seizures, and countless hospital stays. Robert was a fighter throughout, maintaining a positive energy while being sustained by the constant love and care of his wife, Diane. Though his repeated bouts with illnesses and surgeries gradually slowed his body and his mind, his love of being with his family and friends was unwavering. Robert grew up in Brookline and was a 1968 graduate of South Hills Catholic High School. In 1973, he graduated from Edinboro State College (now Edinboro University) and began his career as a teacher. From 1977 until his retirement in 2001, he worked at St. Sylvester Catholic School in Brentwood, teaching history, geography, and any other subject that was put before him. He was beloved by generations of students for his dry sense of humor and his stories. Robert found joy in simple things - chocolate milkshakes, Snickers bars, Beto’s Pizza, watching Westerns, collecting baseball cards and stamps, and sitting on his side porch. One of his favorite pastimes was listening to music, especially the Doo Wop groups of his youth like the Skyliners and the Marcels. He was also a dedicated Bruce Springsteen fan. Robert was also famous for getting behind the wheel of his car and saying, “Let’s go on an adventure,” whether that meant just finding a new way home or setting off on a long road trip. He was known by different names to different people over the years. He was “Boo” to those closest to him, “Fig” to his college friends, “Pap Pap” to his granddaughters, and, of course, “Mr. Finnegan” to the many, many students who entered his classroom over the years. Friends will be received at John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15227, on Friday, May 27, 2022, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral Prayer on Saturday morning at 9:45. Mass of Christian burial will be held in Blessed Trinity Parish, St. Sylvester Catholic Church, 3754 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15227, at 10:30 a.m.

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Condolences

  • May 29, 2022

    Judy Larose

    Diane and Family, I had the pleasure of meeting Bob and all of you through my sister, Janet Salley Rakoczy. Janet cherished her friendship and school connection with Bob. Like me, she admired him for his bravery while dealing with his illness. I am sure Janet would speak highly of him, but now she can tell him while they are both with God. With sympathy, Judy Salley Larose

  • May 29, 2022

    Joann (salley) seddon

    .Diane,Patrick,and Robert I just read about Bobs passing i am so sorry I remember all the times Janet would talk about him when he got sick Janet and him are together discussing old students they both had Rest easy Bob

  • May 26, 2022

    Sarah Stewart

    RIP Mr. Finnegan from the Stewart Family.

  • May 25, 2022

    Karen Byers

    Mr Finnegan was my 7 th grade homeroom teacher! I was there during the time he had this surgery. Funny as a child you do not fully grasp what was happening to a person at the time. I remember he had the surgery and told us he had a brain tumor removed. It was part of our classroom year. Of course we were all happy he was back and teaching at the school. MrFinnegan was a nice teacher. His presence and familiar face everyday at the school meant alot to me. I enjoyed being in his class and my 7th grade year at St Syl's. My condolences to his wife children and family. He was a good man. God bless

  • May 25, 2022

    Kelly Pahel

    Thank you Mr. Finnegan for being such a great educator. Your dry sense of humor always made for an interesting day in your classroom. You hold a special place in my St. Sly memories. Prayers to the Finnegan Family.

  • May 25, 2022

    David Casoli

    My heart is broken by the loss of one of the kindest and gentlest people I have ever known. I will never forget him. My love, deepest sympathy and greatest respect to his family....David Casoli

  • May 25, 2022

    Chrissy Ganter

    Mr Finnegan was my 7th grade teacher and he was one of the greats! I never forgot his kindness and his love for history. I am truly sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful teacher and a good man. My deepest sympathy to his family.

  • May 24, 2022

    M. Alice Tumas

    I taught with Bob for many years at St. Sylvester and remember his gentle nature and good humor. He was a fine gentleman who suffered too much! My sympathy to his family but I have no doubt Bob is sitting peacefully in heaven. Alice Tumas (Mellon)

  • May 24, 2022

    Cynthia Ritter, St. Sly's Class of 1989

    RIP Mr. Finnegan - he was a very caring teacher.

  • May 24, 2022

    patricia Herk

    You will always bring a smile to my face whenever memories of our times at SSS are mentioned. You had a great wit and more than wonderful family. Fly with the angels and don't forget to tell them that you also represented the priest hood as Father Rob! Rest easy friend.