Carmella A. Finnegan

Finnegan, Carmella A (nee Panichelli) , April 1,2025 of Fairmount and Blue Bell, PA. survived by her loving children Jack, Bella (Rhonda), Bill, and Frank (Joy). Devoted Grandmother to Jeff (Nicolette), Jon (Jill), Fran (Hayden), Marykate (Eric), and AJ. Great Grandmother to Alex (Panghom) and Kennedy Grey, and sister-in-law to Pat (nee Fumo) Panichelli. Pre-deceased by husband John, parents John and Mary, brother Joseph and daughter-in-law Peggy. Carmella is also survived by a large extended multi-generational family of caring nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Carmella was a proud graduate and lifelong active alumna of Hallahan Catholic High School, class of 1946. She was an executive secretary and stenographer for Stein & Goldberg Accounting until she met and married the love of her life, John Finnegan in 1949. Carmella’s life’s work was dedicated to her family and her faith. She was a devoted mother, aunt, cousin, god, grand and great grandmother and mentor to many leaving her indelible mark on all. She was a tireless servant to her beloved St Francis Xavier Parrish Church, School and Convent. For over 50 years, she served as parish secretary; managed Fairmount’s annual Catholic Charities Appeal; made over 100,000 pizzas for Tuesday Nights Bingo, captained the annual spiritual retreat at Elkins Park Dominican Retreat House, lector and soprano in the parish choir. Using her cooking love language, she was chef/caterer and to Cardinals, Archbishops, Monsignors and Clergy. Gimbels Thanksgiving Day Parade, Catholic Charities Sunday Dinners, Roman Catholic High School Annual Spaghetti Dinner, countless neighborhood weddings, anniversaries, baptisms, graduations, whether Beef-N-Beer fund raiser or a white linen sit down banquet, like her mother before her, Carmella fed many and made their lives richer, bathed in her love through her food. She artfully instilled in her children her joy and confidence of preparing and serving meals made with love. She loved music, singing, dancing and was a diehard local sports fan. She loved the jersey shore, from the Wildwood Boardwalk, to the beaches of Surf City, to the slots at Atlantic City. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation Fri April 11thth from 9:30am-11:00am following by a Funeral Mass at St Francis Xavier – The Oratory Church, 2319 Green Street. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeaden, PA. Donations in Carmella’s memory may be made to Franciscan retirement convent, Assisi House: OSFF@osfphila.org

Carmella A. Finnegan

April 1, 2025

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Carmella A. Finnegan

April 1, 2025

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