Edward J. Finn

Edward John Finn passed away on July 28, 2023 at his home in Winnetka, IL at the age of 66, following a long illness. He was a devoted husband to Leslie Marie Finn for 41 years of marriage. Ed and Leslie raised two children, Elizabeth and Jeanne Skye. He is to be buried in Madison, CT. A memorial service will be held on August 23rd at 2pm at Saints Faith Hope & Charity Catholic Church. 191 Linden Street, Winnetka, IL 60093

Edward was born September 22, 1956 in Columbus, Ohio.He spent his childhood along the Niagara river in Grand Island, NY where his lifelong love of sailing was sparked. He was the second child of four. His siblings remember him for his lively and entertaining contribution to shared games, including serving as a quarterback in neighborhood football games and caring for his pets Kirby the dog, and rabbits Mike and Dandelion. He began working in restaurants as a teen and developed a passion for cooking which would follow him throughout his life.

He entered Drexel University, earning a B.S. in history and politics in 1978, followed by an MBA. He was active in the Drexel Players theater group, where he particularly enjoyed performing work by Shakespeare. Ed and Leslie met in Philadelphia and were married at Niagara University on October 7, 1983.

They moved to Chicago, Illinois where Ed was a partner at Harris Investment Management working there for fourteen years. He developed extensive experience in institutional investment management, consultant relations, sales, and client services. Much to his daughters’ delight, employment at Harris included occasional opportunities to meet the Harris mascot, Huby the Lion. Following his time at Harris, Ed was a partner at William Blair Investment Management for 16 years. He was a leader in growing the investment business and worked closely with plan sponsors and consultants. In 2022 he took on an advisory role at Chicago River Capital. He will be missed by an extensive professional network.

Ed imparted to his children the same values of humor, fairness, and honesty that he exhibited during his long and successful career. While Ed’s work required extensive travel he maintained a focused presence and sustained contribution to family. He never missed one of his daughter’s birthdays. He delighted in sharing newfound destinations with his family. He could be counted upon to know the best restaurant in any geographical area, and tips for navigating every airport his daughters have had to contend with. He was passionate about cooking for family and friends and hosting warm and lively gatherings. Ed was an avid sailor and squash player and long-term member of the University Club of Chicago and the Columbia Yacht Club.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents Jeanne and Jack Finn of Madison, CT. He is survived by his beloved wife, Leslie, siblings Alice, Mary, and Jerry, children Elizabeth (husband Chris) Jeanne Skye, and grandchildren Marie and Thelma.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to:

Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation juddgoldmansailing.org/donate/

Connections for the homeless http://connect2home.org/