Obituary: Michael John “Spike” Finnigan, 1958-2024

It
is with great sadness that we announce the death of Michael John
“Spike” Finnigan on November 12, 2024, at the University of
Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, Vt. Mike passed away after an
eight-year-long valiant fight with multiple myeloma. He was
surrounded by his loving family until the end. During this last
hospitalization, he had a constant stream of family and friends
stopping by to see him who shared memories of great times with him
over the years.

Michael
was born on March 26, 1958, in Burlington, Vt., to Charles S. and
Elizabeth (Bracy) Finnigan. He graduated from Burlington High School
as a member of the class of ’76. Mike was the 10th of 11 children
and grew up surrounded by a tight-knit community of friends,
neighbors and family. Mike married Joanne Jarvis on May 26, 1986, and
the Jarvis family became his second family. Joanne and Mike remained
friends despite a divorce years later.

Mike
was well known around town, having spent most of his life in the
restaurant and hospitality industry. He owned and operated Finnigan’s
Pub, with his brother Patrick, for more than 32 years. Mike also
worked at various other food and retail operations throughout the
area. He was an excellent cook, and one of his specialties was
Mulligan stew for St. Patrick’s Day. Mike could be counted on for
his strong work ethic, great attitude and remarkable entrepreneurial
spirit.

Mike’s
greatest source of pride was always his daughter, Molly, and
grandson, Thiago. He loved nothing more than attending his grandson’s
soccer games. Even in his last days, he was bragging about Thiago’s
athletic abilities. One of Mike’s last dreams was to bring his
grandson to the 2026 Soccer World Cup, but we know he will be there
in spirit.

Mike
was also a huge fan of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics and New
York Giants. He loved attending games at Fenway and live concerts;
both were always treasured opportunities. Mike was a dreamer, always
looking for and planning for the next big adventure! Especially if it
was a “good deal.”

In
these last eight years, he was under the care of some of the kindest
and finest medical staff from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and
the University of Vermont Medical Center, where he spent a
considerable time. He faced each treatment with enormous hope and
bravery, never failing to take on the challenge of different medical
trials or treatments. The medical staff became his friends, stopping
by to see him even when they may have been assigned elsewhere. He
loved and appreciated them all. Special gratitude goes out to Dr.
Julian Sprague, MD; Anne Berkowitz, NP; Joanne Nielsen, NP; and all
the wonderful staff in the hematology/oncology clinic and those on
Miller Five. His family is so very grateful for the wonderful care he
received. They all knew and loved Mike!

Mike
is survived by his beloved daughter, Molly, and grandson, Thiago;
brothers Charles, Joseph and wife Sue, John and wife Bonnie, Frank,
William, and Timothy and wife Charlene; sister Mary and husband John;
and his former wife, Joanne Durham. He was predeceased by his
parents, brothers Patrick and Kevin, and sister Joan Rock. He was
very close to his many nieces and nephews, who have fond memories of
Uncle Spike.

In
lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s memory can be made to the
American Cancer Society or a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements
are in the care of Ready Funeral Home South Chapel, 261 Shelburne
Rd., Burlington, VT. Please visit readyfuneral.com to leave online
condolences.

A
celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Saturday, November 23,
2024, 1 to 4 p.m., at the Eagles Club, 1233 Shelburne Rd., # B1,
South Burlington, VT 05403.

This article appears in The Winter Preview Issue 2024.