Edward H. Finnegan

Edward H. Finnegan, 66, passed away peacefully at Milford Health and Rehabilitation Center on November 3, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Rita (Lickteig) Finnegan for 37 years. Born in New Haven, CT on February 15, 1957, he was the son of the late Arthur G. and the late Dorothy (Potter) Finnegan. He was also predeceased by his stepmother Aldea Finnegan. He is survived by his brothers Art, John, and Tom “Flash” Finnegan, and his sisters Patti (MaryEllen Faught), Kathleen “Kit” (Stacey) Gebeau, and Mary Finnegan. He is the cherished uncle of Daniel (Lauren), Kate (Jai), Patrick, Jon, Tricia (Natalie), Ashley, and Whitney (Paul). He is the great-uncle of Elijah, Josh, Kayla, Ryaen, Presley, Cameron, Brionna, Kelsey, Noah, D’Andre, Lucas, Brooklynn, Blake, and Bailey. He is also survived by his wife’s family Barbara (Rick) Obert, Janice (David) Brown, John (Elaine) Lickteig, and Anne (Daniel) Davis. He is cherished uncle to Rich (Caroline), Keith (Susan), Kailee (Jim), Kendra, Hannah, John, Cecelia, Lauren (Ryan), Julia, and Natalie. He is great-uncle to Richard, Alex, and Amelia. Edward is also survived by his step-siblings Patricia Duclos-Miller and Gerald Duclos.  

Edward received an Associate’s degree from Gateway Community-Technical College in Business Administration. He was honorably discharged from the Army National Guard. He retired from Graybar Electric after twenty years of service.  

Edward was a disciplined athlete. Running and competing in races were the joy of his life. His longest ultramarathon was the 8-day Trans Empire State Trek (TEST), 347 miles. He placed second. He completed the 100-mile Shea Stadium race and the hundred-mile trail race in Vermont. He designed drills, oversaw tryouts, and coached girls’ basketball. He coached a traveling team and led the girls to numerous victories. He was one of the original founders of the annual Thanksgiving girls’ basketball tournament starting in 2010. In addition, he became a basketball referee. He and Rita enjoyed trips to Florida, Cape Cod, and New Hampshire, and times spent with family and friends. Ed was a humble and gentle man – one in a million – with a heart of gold. His family will miss him dearly.  

Visitation will take place on WEDNESDAY November 8 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the West Haven Funeral Home. On THURSDAY morning his procession will leave the funeral home at 9 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John Vianney Church at 9:30 a.m. Burial, with military honors, will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery.

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