2026 Honoree: Pat Finneran

Pat Finneran, third from left, surrounded by his beloved children

On May 16, 2019, Patrick “Pat” Finneran shared a note with friends and family via his Caring Bridge communication platform.  “It’s 3:30 AM, but I can’t sleep. I keep thinking about major life events that happened recently.  I turned 60, celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary with my incredible wife (Lisa), and found out I have pancreatic cancer.  And I am so amazingly blessed!”  Those who knew Pat understand that such positivity was his lifeblood.

Never more content than when surrounded by his wife, kids (Shannon, Jason, Ryan, Nathan and Sean) and 8 grandchildren, Pat’s greatest purpose was to make those he loved feel happy. Whether cheering from the sidelines of sporting events, building homes with Habitat for Humanity, carrying a toddler on his shoulders, or hosting a family meal, Pat was a light around which folks wanted to gather.  He saw magic in the natural world.  Sunrises and sunsets were met with awe and wonder.  

Pat never gave up on living.  Despite the challenges of chemotherapy, he was determined to compete in the Columbus half-marathon and show that cancer would not slow him down.  Joined by 17 family members and friends, they ran the course in under 3 hours—even surpassing Pat’s own ambitious goal. 

Upon his diagnosis, Pat and his loved ones got involved in the Columbus chapter of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). The Finnerans still reunite each spring for the PurpleStride event. They’ve been a top fundraising team for the past six years proudly wearing "Finn's Fighting for Hope" on the back of their shirts.

Fittingly, Pat was interred in a cemetery with a perpetual view of the golden hour.  Except for the first Christmas after his passing. Pat’s family came to visit during a snowstorm. His son Jason remembers his step-mom, sister and brothers grabbing shovels from their cars and digging a path to Pat’s headstone so they could all be together.

Pat’s family celebrated his birthday each year with a golf outing. A new tradition has been added they are certain he would appreciate.  Now, they stop at the 7th hole to sit on a bench they’ve had inscribed, "Ice Cream Hole. Loser Buys! Pat Finneran (1959-2020)."

Whether singing Alice’s Restaurant, creating endless spread sheets, undertaking home improvement projects, collecting 10,000 daily steps, watching the Buckeyes, or delivering Meals on Wheels, Pat Finneran is not forgotten. Jason’s youngest daughter, Caydence, recently called him over to a window. “Look at that sunrise, Dad.  Papa would’ve loved it.”