Vincent Paul Finigan, Jr.
July 27, 1946 - March 2, 2018
Vincent Paul Finigan, Jr. passed away at home surrounded by his family Thursday, March 2. He was 71. Paul fought a long and courageous battle against illness and will be remembered for his fierce will to live.
A true native son, Paul was a fourth-generation San Franciscan born at St. Mary’s Hospital on July 27, 1946, the second of three children to Vincent Paul Finigan and Helen Warren Finigan. He grew up in the Richmond and Sunset Districts and loved to share vivid memories of growing up in The City, attending St. Thomas the Apostle School, playing in Golden Gate Park, and spending summers at Summer Home Park along the Russian River. He was a proud member of the St. Ignatius Class of ‘64, and continued to get together with many of his SI classmates until his death. Paul went on to attend the University of San Francisco (USF) for both his undergraduate and law degrees. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Anne, while at USF and the two enjoyed 52 years of love, friendship, parenting, and travel together.
He started work at the law firm Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison the Monday after graduating from law school and worked tirelessly there for 32 years. As a managing partner, he mentored many young associates and was a founding member of the Pacific Rim Advisory Council. After Brobeck, he joined the firm Morgan Lewis where he spent several years as a partner, before retiring in 2008. Paul was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time on the course with his son, Jeffrey, many friends, and grandchildren. He was an active member of the Olympic Club and San Francisco Golf Club. More than anything, he loved reading stories to his grandchildren in the hammock and relaxing with his family at their home in Sonoma and on vacations filled with friends in Twain Harte and Agate Bay, Lake Tahoe. His famous “Donald Duck voice” and whimsical drawings delighted his grandchildren. He and Anne also enjoyed traveling the world with many dear friends.
Paul sat on the board of KKR Financial and was also active in several community organizations including Family House, the Yosemite Institute, and the USF Board of Directors, where he raised funds and helped guide policy. He was a longtime lector at St. Cecilia’s Church, a passionate believer in giving back to those less fortunate than he, and never hesitated to donate his time to help others. The family would like to thank the dedicated group of doctors and nurses at UCSF, especially his caretakers with the 9 Long Transplant Team, Christopher Wong, M.D. of CPMC, Hospice by the Bay, and other caretakers for their compassionate care. In addition, Paul’s family would like to thank all of our wonderful friends for their support and love during these past several years.
Paul is survived by his devoted wife, Anne Leite Finigan, four loving children, Paula (Sean Carney), twins Jeffrey (Sara Finigan) and Julie (Joseph Morris), and Meighan (Matt Mingrone). He was known as “Papa” by his eleven adoring grandchildren, Sarah, Matthew, Jack, William, Andrew, Harry, Brendan, Kevin, Ryan, Owen and Audrey. He is also survived by his sisters, Patricia and Maureen, and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Paul’s big smile and generous spirit will be greatly missed by the many friends and family who loved him dearly.
A Mass to celebrate Paul’s life will be held at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 2555 17th Ave., San Francisco, CA 94116 on Friday, March 9 at 11 a.m. Visitation begins at 10 a.m., followed by Mass at 11.
Donations in Paul’s memory may be sent to Family House, Inc. 540 Mission Bay Blvd., North, San Francisco, CA 94158.