Harold Nicholas Finnegan

Harold Nicholas Finnegan passed away early July 1st, 2016, with loved ones at his side. Over two years, he bravely battled cancer in his selfless manner. He never complained and persevered with a positive spirit. Harold was born December 26, 1947, to the late Francis and Jewel (Hines) Finnegan in Jackson, MS. Here he attended St. Joseph's followed by his graduation from Ole Miss. A Vietnam veteran, he devoted his entire career of over 30 years to civil service. Serving over twenty of those years with the VA largely at its Gulfport-Biloxi campus. Later transferring to the Armed Forces Retirement Home, where he retired in 2006. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport. His greatest sense of pride was his family, Tess, Katie, and Patricia. Harold read constantly. His natural love of learning spilled over to those he knew, especially his two daughters. To his amusement, the girls cherished their long talks or the occasional debate. He loved nature. An ardent gardener, he grew the best pole beans on the Gulf Coast. His collard greens weren't too shabby either. Whether on the back porch bird watching or playing 18 holes with Sam and Tommy, Harold adored the outdoors. He is survived by his children, Tess (Kyle Paringer) and Katie Finnegan; his loving former wife and care giver, Patricia Finnegan; and his brother Frank Finnegan (Pamela). He is also survived by lifelong friends, nieces (Laura, Staci, Lisa, Kara, Emily), and nephews (John, David, James, Michael). The family would like to thank the caregivers at Gulfport Memorial Hospital for the compassion Harold received while in their care. A special thanks to Dr. Allison Wall and the Memorial Oncology Department. Funeral Services will be held at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at 11:30 am. Friends may visit from 10:30 am until service time. Burial, with military honors by the U.S. Army, will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.