Gerard (Gerry) R. Finnegan Jr., 76, lecturer in finance at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, died Nov. 14 from health complications.
Finnegan taught Personal Finance (FINA 260) each fall and spring since joining the College of Business in 1987. Students from across campus took the course, gaining skills and knowledge to plan their financial future.
"Gerry taught personal finance for decades for us, and countless students benefited from his wisdom and humor,” said Richard DeFusco, professor and chair of the Department of Finance. “Students had enormous respect for Gerry, and the material he taught is something that will last a lifetime. We will miss having Gerry as a member of the department.”
A founding member of the Nebraska Society of Certified Financial Planners, Finnegan also served on multiple civic and community boards, including the Capital Humane Society, CEDARS Youth Services, Lincoln Citizen Advocacy and Wreaths Across Nebraska.
A graduate of Bellevue High School in Bellevue, Nebraska, in 1966, Finnegan earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. After training in Pensacola, Florida, he earned his Naval Aviator wings and flew the A-4 Skyhawk with Fleet Composite Squadron Two. He later earned a Master of Business Administration, with a focus in management, from George Washington University and received the Certified Financial Planner designation from the College for Financial Planning.
“Professor Finnegan made a positive impact on so many students across campus while teaching essential finance skills,” said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean of the College of Business. “Our students benefited from his teaching at the university, and the community benefited from his work as an independent Certified Financial Planner. Gerry will be dearly missed, and our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends.”
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 5 at First Plymouth Church, 2000 D St. in Lincoln. Memorials are suggested to the Capital Humane Society and Wreaths Across America-Lincoln.
To read his full obituary, click here.
