William “Billy” Finnegan

Shared Memories

William Finnegan, "Billy" of the Rhawnhurst section of Philadelphia, passed away on September 2, 2024, at age 55. Beloved son of the late John and Eileen Finnegan. Loving brother of Karen Irizarry Finnegan and Mary Finnegan. Also survived by his nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to attend his viewing and funeral on Wednesday, September 11, from 9:30am - 11:00am at McCafferty Funeral & Cremation Inc. 6711 Frankford Ave. (between Unruh & Knorr sts) There will be a prayer service at 11:00am. Further arrangements will be held in private by his family.

Samantha Miranda

For years me, mommy and daddy spent every weekend at you and nanny’s house. Every saturday night at your house me and you performed “Ill be there for you” by Bon Jovi for everyone, you were the “drummer” and I played the “guitar” lol no one could tell us we weren’t on stage performing lol it was literally part of our Saturday nights. And can’t forget you and mommy’s freestyle dance performances, you knew exactly what to put on to get mommy started! And you and daddy would end it with a break dancing battle in the living room (literally spinning on your heads) until one of you would break a piece of furniture and nanny would scream at both of you lol then Sunday mornings we always ate bagel bin! It was my favorite, good times ❤️ I always drew you pictures of us and you would hang them in your bedroom or right behind your favorite recliner - the same recliner that mommy and Florence were fighting on and you yelled “cat fight!” And waited a while before you broke them up lol. Pittsburgh won last night!! Let’s gooooo!! You made me a fan at 12 years old uncle bill, You and daddy would fight all the time about which team I will become a fan of and you always yelled to daddy “my niece is going to be a Steeler fan!!” You taught me so much about football, like screaming at the tv screen as if the coach and players could hear me lol. Everytime someone asks me “why are you a Steelers fan?” I always give them the wholeee “my dad and uncle story”. You are one of the few people who know how bad daddy’s death really affected me when he passed. I remember I was set on not going to his funeral but you made sure that I at least went to 1 day out of the 2 days. And with that, I know you know in your heart why I couldn’t see you. 💔 Thank you for coming to my high school graduation in place of daddy ❤️ I love you forever! 🙏 I have comfort in knowing you have so many angels waiting for you at the gates to get the party started. See you in my dreams uncle Bill. 🕊️ Let’s go Steelers!!!!! 💛🖤

Tasha

I use too with billy at homedepot he was a very nice person we work as a team im going too miss him ❤️🥲

Louie

Memories of uncle bill, i have a life time of them. He was a farther figure to me as a kid and into my teenage years. I always looked up to him and wanted to be him. I remember when i stayed with him he would wake me up after he went he came back from goin out with 7/11 burgers or some kind of food. I use to love it. But one memory that i would remember for the rest of my life is. We would watch a late night sports show when i was suposed to be sleep. I had a 49ers hat on, he woukd show me steelers highlights and say ur a steelers fan now. He smacked that 49er hat off my head and put a steelers hat on my head. From that day 8yr old became a life long steelers fan. I miss him bad. Love u unc ill see you again!

Karen Irizarry Finnegan

As I sit here in the room he stayed in with me and I read all the great memories everyone has for my brother and the Love I see on here and Facebook I feel so happy that he had so many people that really loved him like me too of cause. Thank you all for all the love and support it means so much to my family. I love you guys all is thank you.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Jason Corrao

So just like many that knew Billy, I also have countless stories and memories that I shared with him. Billy “Bud” and I have been friends for around 35 years and spent 25 of those years, playing sports, traveling, family events, working, and hanging out together. Easy to say Billy was just like a brother. We spent so much time with each other that we would laugh every time we were together, whatever we were doing, one of us would say or do something really stupid and we would laugh the rest of the day about it. Actually we would laugh and talk about those stories every time we seen or spoke to each other afterwards. Eddie and I went to visit Billy recently over the summer and picked up where we all left off telling stories, finishing each other’s sentences, laughing and of course crying. Like I said before so many countless stories and memories that I will never forget. But I will say this one that kicked off our friendship from the very early years that always stuck. Billy and a coworker went to my parents house when I lived there around 1989-90 to pick up plumbing material that I left for them in the yard because I was not home at the time. But my dad was home not knowing I told them to go in the yard and get what I left for them. As they were leaving the yard with the material, my dad was at the end of the driveway waiting for them in his pajamas with his crossbow pointing at Billy’s head, and tells him “Hold it right there”. Billy and our coworker explained their way out of it that night. But that saying and story never went away. So that kind of kicked off our friendship. And that was our greeting to each other every time. Love ya brother. “Yeah man”

Jay “Babe” Corrao

So just like many that knew Billy, I also have countless stories and memories that I shared with him. Billy “Bud” and I have been friends for around 35 years and spent 25 of those years, playing sports, traveling, family events, working, and hanging out together. Easy to say Billy was just like a brother. We spent so much time with each other that we would laugh every time we were together, whatever we were doing, one of us would say or do something really stupid and we would laugh the rest of the day about it. Actually we would laugh and talk about those stories every time we seen or spoke to each other afterwards. Eddie and I went to visit Billy recently over the summer and picked up where we all left off telling stories, finishing each other’s sentences, laughing and of course crying. Like I said before so many countless stories and memories that I will never forget. But I will say this one that kicked off our friendship from the very early years that always stuck. Billy and a coworker went to my parents house when I lived there around 1989-90 to pick up plumbing material that I left for them in the yard because I was not home at the time. But my dad was home not knowing I told them to go in the yard and get what I left for them. As they were leaving the yard with the material, my dad was at the end of the driveway waiting for them in his pajamas with his crossbow pointing at Billy’s head, and tells him “Hold it right there”. Billy and our coworker explained their way out of it that night. But that saying and story never went away. So that kind of kicked off our friendship. And that was our greeting to each other every time. Love ya brother. “Yeah man”

Miguel Marrero

You will be missed, you were a great person and uncle. I’m sure you’re in a better place now and no longer suffering. (By the way steeler won today) but I’m sure you know. Rest easy uncle Bill. Love you

Eddie alioto

Billy was like a brother to me. Worked and hung out after work and have so many memories together it's so hard to pick one. But one off my favorites were the steelers were about to go to the superbowl and Jerome betting fumbled in the end zone with a few seconds left we went from celebrating to on the floor as the defender ran it back just as big ben stretched his arm and tripped him up to win and we hugged jumped for joy and went to the superbowl and won our first championship together. few days later we got in the car after work and headed to the parade in Pittsburg. greatest day ever I will always remember him as I cry writing this. Billy I will always remember the times we shared and we see you again one day my friend and as you would say I love you man.

Karen Finnegan

Rest in Paradise I love you with all my heart and soul I always did and always will you will be very very missed by me my little brother is going to be very hard to go on without you I have no brothers no more you're all in heaven now with Mom and Dad you definitely love to dance you ask me not too long ago if I wanted to dance and I said let's do it so now you are free of pain so dance and don't stop. I Love you for ever and ever . I will be there one day. And we all can dance together❤️💋💋💋💋💋

Mary E Finnegan

So many good memories, where do i begin. I will never forget the times when we went out and we would dance the night away, whenever we heard music we would be on the dance floor killing it. When dj billy bill & Jean use to dj at the block parties, that's how he got me into freestyle music. Billy, you will always be my dance partner for life ❤ r.i.p until we meet again dance with the angels. I love you and I miss you

Karen Irizarry Finnegan

I have so many great memories of my baby brother Billy . The first one is I remember the day he was born What a blessing having a baby brother ❤️ My brother was a very hard worker and loved everyone especially his family as we all loved him I can go on for ever. But there is one that made my day and I laughed so hard even though he was sick already Billy was living with me since he couldn’t be alone and he had asked me and my daughter Jennifer if we can get his cat to come to stay with him of cause I said yes so off we went Jenn and me so as time went on his cat Baby that’s his name got attached to me. They know when there owners are sick.So one night Billy said too me remind me too call the detectives in the morning I have to make a report a kidnap and report I said for what he said you kidnap my cat and for that you’re gonna go to jail for 15 years I was hysterical laughing it made my night. He loved his ice cream and ice’s but every night about 2:30 am he would ask me is the kitchen still open lol for me too make him a tura fish sandwich.I did no matter how tired I was. 3 nights before he passed always every night gave him a kiss goodnight. He held my arm and said too me sis I wouldn’t know what to do with you 😢 I said that’s what big sisters are for❤️ I miss him already so much we were a very close family and we always will be. Rest in parents ice my brother Billy Finnegan I love you always❤️

Christopher Negron

My man, Uncle Bill! The first person that comes to mind when I think about an uncle is uncle bill. The man that introduced me to football and the reason I'm still to this day a Steelers fan (even though they still suck) lol The world is gonna miss you man. Love ya Unc

27 Responses

  1. Me and uncle Bill didn’t get to share as many memories as I would’ve liked, I learned how much of an amazing person he was, the energy he brought & shared, the love he expressed and the capability to make even the worst of times seem like there’s still hope and light in any situation he’s put in. There’s this one picture we have together from so long ago where i’m sitting on his shoulders, when i seen him my nanny goes and quizzes him and asks him if he knows who that girl was in the picture, as he’s looking directly at me he makes an are you seriously asking me this kind of face. Uncle Bill I’m sorry we never got the chance to share many more memories especially as I got older, I hope we’re able to meet again in another lifetime and can get a redo. Rest in heavenly peace you will be missed. I love you.

  2. Upon meeting Uncle Bill he gave off the impression of one of those TV sitcom or movie uncles who press you about dating their niece 😂 long story short after a couple of brews we were somewhere in the middle of the street in Ozone Park fighting 😂😂😂 we both learned something that night I learned that you would do anything for the ones you love and you learned that your niece wasn’t with a punk and that I would be able to protect and stand up for her after that we both had tremendous respect and love for one another uncles like you were….
    are one and a few nowadays straight old school of hard knocks I will continue to honor you by being the man you want for your niece you will be missed but never forgotten until we meet again and you yell DaZzY DaZ! Spin a tune 🎵 for my loved ones up there I Love Uncle Bill! 🕊🕊🕊

  3. Upon meeting Uncle Bill he gave off the impression of one of those TV sitcom or movie uncles who press you about dating their niece long story short after a couple of brews we were somewhere in the middle of the street in Ozone Park fighting 😂😂😂 we both learned something that night I learned that you would do anything for the ones you love and you learned that your niece wasn’t with a punk and that I would be able to protect and stand up for her after that we both had tremendous respect and love for one another uncles like you were…
    are one and a few nowadays straight old school of hard knocks I will continue to honor you by being the man you want for your niece you will be missed but never forgotten until we meet again and you yell DaZzY DaZ! Spin a tune for my loved one up there I Love Uncle Bill!

  4. I knew Billy over 40 years
    He and I grew up in the streets of Richmond Hills ny he was a little older than me so he taught me a thing or two from skitching on the back of a city bus when ever it snowed to Breakdancing on a piece of cardboard doing back spins and head spins the list goes on and on
    You will be missed brother
    Sleep well

  5. Man, Billy, we spoke often about meeting up for old times sake. Then the pandemic happened and then I lost my favorite sister who you considered a sister too at 1 time in your life.
    Growing up; your big brother Johnny was engaged to my big sister Patricia. I remember when they took us to the movies with them. (You told me as an adult we were on a double date) 😄🤗
    As a kid; you loved your disco. (Vanilla Ice had nothing on you!) remember 1 of your favorites was 🎼 Boogie Oogie Oogie. Get down! 🎼 I will hold you in a special place and continue to pray over your family. RIP Little Billy 😘

  6. When I found out about I was hurt I couldn’t believe it I remember I always bothering me and following me around to I spoke to you and u was an a amazing guy I will always keep u close I think I am more than most I love you bill and always will keep shining up there smile down cuz I always had a good smile keep u close to my heart

  7. Uncle bill was the funniest uncle i knew. Every time we were together it was laughs and laughs. He always found a way to put a smile on your face or laugh even through rough times. Rest in paradise Uncle bill until we meet again love you.

  8. When I found out about u I was extremely hurt I couldn’t believe it I remember u always bothering me and following me around to I spoke to you and u was an a amazing guy I will always keep u close I think I am more than most I love you bill and always will keep close to me & always stay shining up there smile down cuz u always had a good smile I’m keep u close to my heart cuz I wanna always remember all those good times we hung out u was always made fun to be with even w we spoke on the phone u and me dying with laughter rest in paradise and every star I’ll k ur there

  9. Billy I was devastated when I seen the news on Facebook that you were sick . Life got in the way and I never got to come visit like I wanted. I will always remember the good times we had and I’ll cherish those memories forever . God took you way to early but I know there’s people up there waiting for you .. RIP..

  10. There are so many memories, too many to count. My heart is broken, but I know you are at peace now. He made me a diehard Steelers fan and they won the superbowl that year I will never forget how crazy excited we both were. The times we went fishing off the bridge, and teaching me how to play pool. He always made me laugh and we always had fun. Missed and loved but never forgotten. Rest in peace❤️❤️❤️

  11. I’m going to miss talking about football with you I love you uncle Bill I remember we used to argue whenever we seen each other on what team is going to do better each year you was always a Steelers fan and me being a browns fan used to always get us to argue about that rivalry lol you were one of the reasons I started watching football in the first place there’s so much more I want to say but I would just type for hours lol me and you both know the things I would say lol your in a better place now and you would always be with us watching over all of us I love you with all my heart uncle Bill ❤️ .

  12. So sorry to hear about your passing. Thank you for all the memories throughout the years. I won’t forgot your laugh, funny personality and your caring spirit. My condolences to your family. Rest in peace Billy 🙏
    Sandra Rivera

  13. I’ve known Billy since he was 7yrs old I met through his sister Karen. I didn’t really see him much when he was younger but when he grew up I was able to know him as a hard working man plumber by trade a lover of all women lol, he loved his family enjoyed his friends and always had a love for music. I was honored to be able to spend time with him before he passed, we joked a bit laughed a bit. I was very happy for my time with him

  14. Uncle Bill
    There’s so much I want to say because I have 44 years of memories with you! But I just want to say Thank you for always loving me and being there for me since I was a little girl, riding me to and from school on your bike, to bringing me to Block parties while you would DJ. You allowed me to hang out in the basement with you so I can listen to Michael Jackson. Thank you for taking me for my permit and making sure I got my license. Thank you for introducing me to Freestyle music lol. Uncle Bill there’s so much I can say but I would need to write a book for all of it.. Thank you for letting me be there for you while you was going through these bad times and still trying to stay strong for all of us. No matter what you was going through, you wouldn’t show it because you didn’t want us to hurt. I wish we could’ve had a little more time together, but until we meet again. Thank you for treating me like your daughter. I Love You with all my heart and soul and you will forever live in my heart. Thank you for being such an amazing uncle to me.. Love you Uncle Bull lol.
    Love your niece: Jenn❤️

  15. My fondest memories of Uncle Bill was he loved to dance .He would come over during the weekend to his Sister Karen apartment and show jennifer and I the latest moves. Uncle Bill alway made us feel like a superstar .He was a Great Uncle he always made you feel loved when he came around.
    SIP Uncle Bill you will truly be missed.Watch over Austin for me Until we all meet again
    Love you always

  16. My man, Uncle Bill! The first person that comes to mind when I think about an uncle is uncle bill. The man that introduced me to football and the reason I’m still to this day a Steelers fan (even though they still suck) lol The world is gonna miss you man. Love ya Unc

  17. I have so many great memories of my baby brother Billy . The first one is I remember the day he was born What a blessing having a baby brother ❤️ My brother was a very hard worker and loved everyone especially his family as we all loved him I can go on for ever. But there is one that made my day and I laughed so hard even though he was sick already Billy was living with me since he couldn’t be alone and he had asked me and my daughter Jennifer if we can get his cat to come to stay with him of cause I said yes so off we went Jenn and me so as time went on his cat Baby that’s his name got attached to me. They know when there owners are sick.So one night Billy said too me remind me too call the detectives in the morning I have to make a report a kidnap and report I said for what he said you kidnap my cat and for that you’re gonna go to jail for 15 years
    I was hysterical laughing it made my night. He loved his ice cream and ice’s but every night about 2:30 am he would ask me is the kitchen still open lol for me too make him a tura fish sandwich.I did no matter how tired I was. 3 nights before he passed always every night gave him a kiss goodnight. He held my arm and said too me sis I wouldn’t know what to do with you 😢 I said that’s what big sisters are for❤️ I miss him already so much we were a very close family and we always will be. Rest in parents ice my brother Billy Finnegan I love you always❤️

  18. So many good memories, where do i begin. I will never forget the times when we went out and we would dance the night away, whenever we heard music we would be on the dance floor killing it. When dj billy bill & Jean use to dj at the block parties, that’s how he got me into freestyle music. Billy, you will always be my dance partner for life ❤ r.i.p until we meet again dance with the angels. I love you and I miss you

  19. Rest in Paradise I love you with all my heart and soul I always did and always will you will be very very missed by me my little brother is going to be very hard to go on without you I have no brothers no more you’re all in heaven now with Mom and Dad you definitely love to dance you ask me not too long ago if I wanted to dance and I said let’s do it so now you are free of pain so dance and don’t stop. I Love you for ever and ever . I will be there one day. And we all can dance together❤️💋💋💋💋💋

  20. Billy was like a brother to me. Worked and hung out after work and have so many memories together it’s so hard to pick one. But one off my favorites were the steelers were about to go to the superbowl and Jerome betting fumbled in the end zone with a few seconds left we went from celebrating to on the floor as the defender ran it back just as big ben stretched his arm and tripped him up to win and we hugged jumped for joy and went to the superbowl and won our first championship together. few days later we got in the car after work and headed to the parade in Pittsburg. greatest day ever I will always remember him as I cry writing this. Billy I will always remember the times we shared and we see you again one day my friend and as you would say I love you man.

  21. You will be missed, you were a great person and uncle. I’m sure you’re in a better place now and no longer suffering. (By the way steeler won today) but I’m sure you know. Rest easy uncle Bill. Love you

  22. So just like many that knew Billy, I also have countless stories and memories that I shared with him. Billy “Bud” and I have been friends for around 35 years and spent 25 of those years, playing sports, traveling, family events, working, and hanging out together. Easy to say Billy was just like a brother. We spent so much time with each other that we would laugh every time we were together, whatever we were doing, one of us would say or do something really stupid and we would laugh the rest of the day about it. Actually we would laugh and talk about those stories every time we seen or spoke to each other afterwards. Eddie and I went to visit Billy recently over the summer and picked up where we all left off telling stories, finishing each other’s sentences, laughing and of course crying.
    Like I said before so many countless stories and memories that I will never forget.
    But I will say this one that kicked off our friendship from the very early years that always stuck.
    Billy and a coworker went to my parents house when I lived there around 1989-90 to pick up plumbing material that I left for them in the yard because I was not home at the time. But my dad was home not knowing I told them to go in the yard and get what I left for them.
    As they were leaving the yard with the material, my dad was at the end of the driveway waiting for them in his pajamas with his crossbow pointing at Billy’s head, and tells him “Hold it right there”. Billy and our coworker explained their way out of it that night. But that saying and story never went away. So that kind of kicked off our friendship. And that was our greeting to each other every time.
    Love ya brother. “Yeah man”

  23. So just like many that knew Billy, I also have countless stories and memories that I shared with him. Billy “Bud” and I have been friends for around 35 years and spent 25 of those years, playing sports, traveling, family events, working, and hanging out together. Easy to say Billy was just like a brother. We spent so much time with each other that we would laugh every time we were together, whatever we were doing, one of us would say or do something really stupid and we would laugh the rest of the day about it. Actually we would laugh and talk about those stories every time we seen or spoke to each other afterwards. Eddie and I went to visit Billy recently over the summer and picked up where we all left off telling stories, finishing each other’s sentences, laughing and of course crying.
    Like I said before so many countless stories and memories that I will never forget.
    But I will say this one that kicked off our friendship from the very early years that always stuck.
    Billy and a coworker went to my parents house when I lived there around 1989-90 to pick up plumbing material that I left for them in the yard because I was not home at the time. But my dad was home not knowing I told them to go in the yard and get what I left for them.
    As they were leaving the yard with the material, my dad was at the end of the driveway waiting for them in his pajamas with his crossbow pointing at Billy’s head, and tells him “Hold it right there”. Billy and our coworker explained their way out of it that night. But that saying and story never went away. So that kind of kicked off our friendship. And that was our greeting to each other every time.
    Love ya brother. “Yeah man”

  24. As I sit here in the room he stayed in with me and I read all the great memories everyone has for my brother and the Love I see on here and Facebook I feel so happy that he had so many people that really loved him like me too of cause. Thank you all for all the love and support it means so much to my family. I love you guys all is thank you.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  25. Memories of uncle bill, i have a life time of them. He was a farther figure to me as a kid and into my teenage years. I always looked up to him and wanted to be him.

    I remember when i stayed with him he would wake me up after he went he came back from goin out with 7/11 burgers or some kind of food. I use to love it.

    But one memory that i would remember for the rest of my life is. We would watch a late night sports show when i was suposed to be sleep. I had a 49ers hat on, he woukd show me steelers highlights and say ur a steelers fan now. He smacked that 49er hat off my head and put a steelers hat on my head. From that day 8yr old became a life long steelers fan.

    I miss him bad. Love u unc ill see you again!

  26. For years me, mommy and daddy spent every weekend at you and nanny’s house. Every saturday night at your house me and you performed “Ill be there for you” by Bon Jovi for everyone, you were the “drummer” and I played the “guitar” lol no one could tell us we weren’t on stage performing lol it was literally part of our Saturday nights. And can’t forget you and mommy’s freestyle dance performances, you knew exactly what to put on to get mommy started! And you and daddy would end it with a break dancing battle in the living room (literally spinning on your heads) until one of you would break a piece of furniture and nanny would scream at both of you lol then Sunday mornings we always ate bagel bin! It was my favorite, good times ❤️
    I always drew you pictures of us and you would hang them in your bedroom or right behind your favorite recliner – the same recliner that mommy and Florence were fighting on and you yelled “cat fight!” And waited a while before you broke them up lol.
    Pittsburgh won last night!! Let’s gooooo!!
    You made me a fan at 12 years old uncle bill, You and daddy would fight all the time about which team I will become a fan of and you always yelled to daddy “my niece is going to be a Steeler fan!!” You taught me so much about football, like screaming at the tv screen as if the coach and players could hear me lol. Everytime someone asks me “why are you a Steelers fan?” I always give them the wholeee “my dad and uncle story”.
    You are one of the few people who know how bad daddy’s death really affected me when he passed. I remember I was set on not going to his funeral but you made sure that I at least went to 1 day out of the 2 days. And with that, I know you know in your heart why I couldn’t see you. 💔
    Thank you for coming to my high school graduation in place of daddy ❤️ I love you forever! 🙏
    I have comfort in knowing you have so many angels waiting for you at the gates to get the party started. See you in my dreams uncle Bill. 🕊️
    Let’s go Steelers!!!!! 💛🖤

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