James J. Finnegan

James J. Finnegan, 82, of Merrimack and formerly of Manchester died Saturday evening, March 9, 2013 at the Ridgewood Center following a lengthy illness. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on August 1, 1930 to John Francis and Mary (Northnagel) Finnegan.

He was a graduate of the Milton Hershey School, Hershey Junior College and received a degree in communication From Boston University. He joined the Massachusetts National Guard while a B.U. student. Jim began his career at Radio station WKBO in Harrisburg PA as a news commentator. He was later employed by the Pennsylvania Medical Society and came to Manchester over 50 years ago.

Prior to retirement in 1995, Jim was employed at the Union Leader for 39 years where he served as Editorial Page Director and chief editorial writer. On September 8, 1951 he wed Rita A. Cagnoli. He was a communicant of the former St. Patrick parish in Manchester.

In 2000 Jim was awarded the Alumnus of the Year Award by the Milton Hershey School for the manner in which he distinguished himself and brought great honor to his alma mater by dedicating his professional talents to the betterment of humankind. He served NH Catholic Charities for many years and was an amateur, professional and Olympic trial judge in boxing. He was a co-founder of the New Hampshire Opera League and enjoyed tennis, hiking and chess. It was legendary that he walked to work every day from his west side home, even after the Union Leader moved to its present location on William Loeb Drive.

Jim is survived by his wife, Rita A. (Cagnoli) Finnegan of Manchester; two daughters, Kathleen Cavanaugh and her partner Dick Rambeau of Manchester and Sharon Pauli and her husband Rich of Sandown NH; two sons, Joseph P. Finnegan of Manchester and John P. Finnegan and his companion Cathy Coulter of Bedford; six grandchildren, Margaret Cavanaugh, Elizabeth Cavanaugh, Mary Kate Cavanaugh, Bryan Pauli, Amy Pauli and Christina Pauli; two great grandchildren, Ryan Pauli and Zain Mahmud; a sister, Mary Deeney of Cape May Courthouse, NJ; a brother John Finnegan and his wife HeeChee of Fredericksburg, VA; several nieces and nephews. He was pre deceased by a son, James J. Finnegan Jr. in 1975.

The family acknowledges with gratitude the compassion and care the staff at Ridgewood gave to Jim during his illness.

A memorial gathering was held from 10 AM to noon on Thursday, March 14th in the McHugh Funeral Home, 283 Hanover St., corner of Beech St. A memorial service was held at noon in the funeral home. Urn burial followed in Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in Jim’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Five Bedford Farms Dr., Suite 201, and Bedford NH 03110.