Francis Finnegan

Francis Finnegan, 90, of North Attleboro, MA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband and best friend of Diane A. (Charbonneau) Finnegan, with whom he shared more than 50 joyful years of marriage.

Born in Brockton, MA, on January 5, 1935, Fran was the sixth of seven sons of the late Edmund Emmet Finnegan, Sr. and Antoinette Marie (Simard) Finnegan. Fondly known by his brothers as "Brother," Fran was raised and educated in Brockton and graduated from Northeastern University in 1957 with a degree in electrical engineering.

He began his career with Texas Instruments as a co-op student and remained with the company throughout his career, ultimately retiring as a respected member of its Senior Technical Staff in Attleboro, MA.

A man of great curiosity and community spirit, Fran was always more interested in the present than the past, though he valued both. He served his town with pride as a member of the North Attleboro Representative Town Meeting and participated actively in the North Attleboro Historical Society. He also shared his love of the sea by teaching sailing and navigation through the U.S. Power Squadron, where he once served as commander of the Attleboro chapter.

Fran’s passions extended beyond his profession and public service. He was an adventurer at heart—an avid skier who explored the slopes of Europe and North America, a private pilot who flew to destinations across the U.S. and Canada, and a world traveler who made it to six continents. Yet, it was New England’s coastal waters that truly called to him.

He and Diane spent many cherished days sailing together with loved ones through Buzzards Bay, Vineyard Sound, Nantucket Sound, and Narragansett Bay. Their most treasured destination was always Cuttyhunk Island—a place woven into the story of their lives, from their early courtship to their wedding and throughout their years of marriage.

Fran leaves behind two sons: Daniel F. Finnegan and his wife Andrea of Mansfield, MA, and David F. Finnegan and his wife Jill of Waltham, MA. He was predeceased by all six of his brothers—Edmund, Robert, Phillip, James, Lawrence, and Paul—and was affectionately known as “Uncle Brother” to his many nieces and nephews, a role he treasured deeply.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. in the “Memorial Chapel.” Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery and Arboretum in North Attleboro.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Fran’s memory may be made to the North Attleboro Historical Society, 362 North Washington Street, North Attleboro, MA 02760.