In Memory
Terrance "Terry" Edward Finnigan
October 1, 1951 ~ July 7, 2026 (age 74)
Terrance Edward Finnigan, passed away on July 7, 2026, in South Bend, Indiana, at the age of 74.
Terry was born on October 1, 1951, in South Bend, Indiana, to Dolores L. (Kenney) Finnigan and Gerald R. Finnigan. He grew up with strong family ties and a deep sense of loyalty that remained with him throughout his life. He was a proud graduate of LaSalle High School and Indiana University.
To know Terry was to know that he rarely gave a straight answer—his wit and conversations were always filled with sarcasm and humor. His contagious smile and infectious laughter never faded throughout his courageous 15-month journey with cancer.
Terry proudly and honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. During his tour of duty, he was assigned to the 597th Transportation Company, where he served aboard the Sir Charles in Qui Nhon and provided gun truck support for military convoys. His unwavering loyalty, courage, and dedication to his fellow service members reflected his deep commitment to serving his country.
In recognition of his honorable service, Terry was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, the Sharpshooter Badge with M-16 Rifle Bar, the Marksman Badge with .45 Caliber Pistol Bar, and the M-60 Machine Gun Bar.
The values of courage, duty, and brotherhood that Terry embraced during his military service remained the foundation of his life. He continued his dedication to veterans and his community through active involvement with VFW Post 360, Get Wet for a Vet, where is served as Treasurer; the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA), where he served as Executive Officer (XO); Stop 22 Michiana, as a founding member and Treasurer; and Mishawaka Troop Town, where he also served as Treasurer. Through these organizations, Terry found lifelong friendships with fellow veterans while tirelessly advocating for those who served. Whether organizing fundraisers, supporting veterans in need, participating in memorial rides, mentoring fellow veterans, or volunteering at community events, he was always ready to lend a helping hand.
Even throughout his cancer treatments, Terry remained steadfast in his commitment to honoring those who served. He never missed volunteering with Wreaths Across America, helping ensure the graves of fallen service members were remembered with dignity and respect each holiday season. His unwavering dedication to veterans, military families, and the Michiana community was a reflection of the servant's heart that defined his life.
Terry is survived by his wife, Dawn M. (Price) Finnigan; his daughters, Mary (Karl) Borbi of Novi, Michigan, Therisa (Rob) Seymour of Fishers, Indiana, Kelly (Scott) Hoover of Syracuse, Indiana, Crystal Reinhardt of South Bend, Indiana, and Casey (Andrew) Finch of Mishawaka, Indiana; his sons, John (Raychel) Finnigan of Aieia, Hawaii, Brendan (Mallory) Finnigan of Granger, Indiana, and Parker Finnigan of South Bend, Indiana; and his grandchildren, Ashley (Tristin) Ramirez, Kaylor Seymour, Brayton (Kenzie) Yoder, Reid (Morgan) Seymour, Ryan (Hannah) Seymour, Colin Borbi, Wesley Yoder, Chloe Seymour, Wyatt Borbi, Elayna Yoder, Cale Seymour, Scarlet Finnigan, Arthur Finch, Marabel Finnigan, and Lilliana Finnigan. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Benjamin Ramirez, Halle Yoder, and Lincoln Yoder.
He is further survived by his sisters, Barb (Jeff) Kepschull, Mary (Marcos) Romeu, and Cathy (Dick) Wilson; and his brothers, Jerry Finnigan, Rick (Marlene) Finnigan, Ron (Angie) Finnigan, and Mike (Pam) Finnigan. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; his brothers, Pat Finnigan and Tom Finnigan; his sister, Donna Carlisle; his brothers-in-law, Russ Carlisle and Steve Kaczynski; his niece, Kerry Rupright; and his former wife, Marie Finnigan.
Terry also leaves behind his beloved dogs, Grace and Duke, and his cat, Missy, who were part of the home and companionship he cherished.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Palmer Funeral Home – River Park Chapel, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend. Family and friends are invited to visit from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the funeral home. An additional hour of visitation will be held beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, prior to the service.
Following the memorial service, a veteran-led motorcycle escort will accompany Terry to Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, where burial will immediately follow. Military honors will be rendered at the graveside, including the playing of Taps, a 21-gun salute, and the presentation of the American flag.
In lieu of flowers, Terry requested that memorial contributions be made in honor of his beloved niece, Kerry, to support her legacy of helping children in the community through The Kerry Finnigan Rupright Foundation. To learn more, please visit www.kerryskidsfoundation.org. Contributions may be mailed to The Kerry Finnigan Rupright Foundation, 707 Bainbridge Place, Goshen, IN 46526.
07/10/2026 EJS
|