Alan Finnegan

Alan Daniel Finnegan, born July 17, 1929 in Keeseville, NY, died February 27, 2023 in Knoxville, TN. Al was raised in Canton, NY and graduated from Canton Central School in 1946. After graduating from high school, Al enlisted in the U.S. Army and was attached to the 9th Infantry Division in Fort Dix, New Jersey. After his service, he went to St. Lawrence University where he graduated with a B.S. degree and a M.Ed. degree. Later he would work toward his PhD. (ABD) at Syracuse University in Higher Education Administration. Al’s career spanned many decades serving college students in the fields of college admissions and administration. Some of Al’s early career highlights included working as the Director of Admissions and Student Affairs and later as the Dean of Students for the Jefferson Community College in Watertown, NY. Al later relocated to East Tennessee where he worked for the University of Tennessee (UT). While at UT, Al worked as the Director of Graduate Admissions and Records and as the Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Records. Al was passionate about helping college students obtain their degrees. Whether it was a difficult admissions case or a student who wanted to change majors, Al was instrumental in helping students find their way forward. His assistance to college students even extended to the creation of the East Tennessee College Alliance. Al also loved being a football and basketball official after first being a baseball coach. Many athletes benefited by Al’s energy, professionalism, and optimism. Al’s officiating career included being a high school football and basketball referee in both New York State and Tennessee. Collegiately, Al officiated for several conferences including the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), South Atlantic Conference (SAC) and the South Eastern Conference (SEC) in both sports. His basketball officiating highlights included being chosen as a NCAA Division 1 tournament official and an AAU National Tourney official. He was also chosen as an official for the U.S. Men’s Olympic Basketball qualifiers. Al was active in the Optimist Club of Knoxville where he served a term as President. He was an honorary member of the Saints Council 1059 Knights of Columbus in Canton, NY and an original member of the All Saints Catholic Church in Knoxville, TN. He was preceded in death by his parents Francis and Eugenia Finnegan of Canton, NY and his two brothers James Finnegan and Gene Finnegan. He is survived by his two sisters, Kathleen Brenon and June Tucker. In addition, Al is survived by his wife Sally (married for 59 years) and his four children and their spouses: Patricia Moore (Ken), Daniel Finnegan (Dawn), Timothy Finnegan (Marla) and Terrence Finnegan (Becky). In addition Al had seven grandchildren, (Ty, Max, Luke, Maggie, Emmy, Lydia and Willa) and many nieces and nephews. Al was loved and respected by so many people in the university and athletic communities. He was most loved by his family and he will be dearly missed. The Burial (open to all) will occur at 12:30 PM on Friday, March 10, 2023 at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E. Gov. John Sevier Hwy. The receiving of friends will be from 4:00 – 5:30 PM followed by the Service at 5:30 PM at the Rose Mann Heritage Chapel at 6200 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN. Online condolences may be made at rosefuneraltn.com.

Tributes

Alan Finnegan

July 17, 1929 - February 27, 2023