10/07/2025
Information on the passing of Illuminations columnist Mike Finn. Please share to any who would like to know.
Mike passed away after a long and curageous battle with health issues. He has been married to Marion for 51 years. Mike is our longest serving columnist, since, May 2007. His counsel and fact-checking abilities have served us invaluably countless times and his humor was subtle and hilarious.
John Michael (Mike) Finn, 76 of Columbus, Ohio passed away July 7, 2025 at Riverside Methodist Hospital. He was born February 16, 1949 to John Joseph and Grace Finn in Marion, Ohio. He was a graduate of Marion Catholic High School and Franklin University. He was married to Marion Marshall on March 30, 1974 in Worthington, Ohio.
He dedicated 18 years of his career to Lazarus in the Budget and Planning department. He then transitioned to the State of Ohio, where he served as a Managing Accountant for the Department of Liquor Control before becoming the Chief of Accounting for the Department of Commerce. In a memorable moment of his career, he even served as the Acting Director of the Department of Liquor Control - for 24 hours.
Mike had a deep passion for Irish Catholic history, which inspired him to visit Ireland and study the Gaelic language. He served as the State Historian for the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Patrick Pearse Division, and was a longtime contributor to iIrish newsmagazine, writing a monthly column for 18 years. He also served as a consultant for Transplanted Shamrocks, a collection of stories from Irish Americans.
A dedicated historian and leader, Mike was a past School Board President for Our Lady of Peace School and also served as the President of Parish Counsel for Our Lady of Peace Church. He was a Lecturer for the Knights of Columbus. Committee Member for the Irish Ohio Historical Marker in Columbus. Mike was also a past President of the Catholic Record Society and was honored with the rare title of Charter Lifetime Member - an award given to only one other person in Columbus.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Marion, and his daughter, Kathleen. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Ann Kaiser and Jo Ann Greene.
Among his many cherished nieces and nephews, his favorite niece, Jaime Elledge (Mark), held a special place in his heart. Mike is further survived by his "faithful" cat, Alex, and his grand-cat, Sophia.
Mike's life was enriched by the many great friends, co-workers, and confidants he gathered along the way. Ed and Bev Manzione were especially dear to him - steadfast friends, compassionate companions, and ever-reliable "Ubers" throughout the years.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, John and Grace Finn, and his sisters, Donna Stamm and Jean Densford. He will be laid to rest beside his in-laws, June and Howard Marshall -ready to pick up where they left off and debate whatever new subjects come along.
Father Jan Sullivan will preside over the Memorial Mass with a luncheon to follow at Our Lady of Peace Church at 20 E. Dominion Blvd. Columbus, Ohio 43214 on July 14, 2025 @ 10:00am.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Our Lady of Peace School.
I am driving down Monday Morning, if anyone wishes to car pool, coming back just after the lunch after mass.
