Thomas Joseph "Tim" Finnegan

Thomas Joseph “Tim” Finnegan of Richmond passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026. Born on March 18, 1934, Tim was preceded in death by his father, Adam John Finnegan; his mother, Bernice Dorothy McGuckin; his brother, John Adam Finnegan; his wife of 62 years, Marjorie DeSouza Finnegan; and his son, Sean Adam Finnegan. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Finnegan Jenkins (David); his grandchildren, Connor Jenkins and Ryan Jenkins; his sister, Mary Finnegan Molteni; and several nieces and a nephew.

From his youth, Tim was a gifted athlete who excelled in baseball and basketball. He carried his passion for sports throughout his life, remaining an avid golfer and snow skier well into his eighties. A 50-year member of Willow Oaks Country Club, he served as president and board member, winning numerous golf trophies and competing successfully against much younger players. He also loved boating, spending many happy hours cruising the Chesapeake Bay with Marjorie and friends aboard his motor yacht, “Anxiety.” An enthusiastic Gin Rummy player, he continued to outplay his opponents until just days before his passing.

Tim studied journalism and began his career in on-air sports broadcasting before becoming general sales manager for WTVR-TV in Richmond. In 1962 he founded Tim Finnegan Advertising, which grew into Finnegan & Agee and later Arnold Finnegan Martin. The agency became one of the largest and most respected in the Southeast, earning many industry awards and serving premier clients for decades. Deeply committed to the community, he served on numerous boards in leadership roles, including the Virginia Advertising Coalition, Richmond Chamber of Commerce, VCU School of Communications advisory board, Children’s Hospital of Richmond, St. Mary’s Hospital, Maymont Foundation, and the Virginia State Golf Association. He was also instrumental in the early development of the VCU Ad Center.

His many contributions were recognized through honors such as Advertising Club of Richmond “Man of the Year” and induction into the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame. Tim’s family gratefully acknowledges Sara Allen, whose friendship brought him great joy in recent years, and the caring staff at Westminster Canterbury.