Michael Patrick Finnegan, MD

Michael Patrick Finnegan, MD passed away on May 28, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.  Michael was born in Chicago on June 13, 1943, to Evelyn and Arthur “Pat” Finnegan.  He is survived by his adored wife, Laurie; his four children:  Kelly Riley (Matt), Michael M. Finnegan (Tamara), Patrick Finnegan (Tybi), and Colin Finnegan. Granddaughters:  Lauren, Courtney and Abby.  Great-granddaughter Parker. Step-grandchildren: Bradyn, Alexander and Rafi.  He is also survived by his sister Sue Finnegan and her daughter, Jessica. Michael was raised in Racine, Wisconsin, and moved to Northridge, California while in high school.  Michael began studying dance at age four, primarily at his parents’ dance studios.  After high school and before attending Loyola University in Los Angeles, he danced in the national touring company of My Fair Lady. He attended medical school at the Universidad Autonoma De Guadalajara, in Mexico, and transferred to the University of New Mexico where he became a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology.  He practiced for many years in Albuquerque, delivering thousands of babies as a physician at Presbyterian Hospital and was chiefly responsible for bringing Dr. Jim Thompson and the Fertility Center of New Mexico to Albuquerque.

After retiring from medicine, Michael returned to his love of dance and musical theatre and began to dance with the New Mexico Ballet Company and the Albuquerque Civic Light Opera. Not only a gifted dancer and performer, he also advocated for community theatre in Albuquerque.  He sat on the Board of Directors of the Albuquerque Civic Light Opera/Musical Theatre Southwest, the Albuquerque Little Theatre and Landmark Musicals.  Michael performed a multitude of leading roles over the past thirty years, most often with his wife, Laurie. Multi-talented, Michael was an exceptional chef and painter, expressing the beauty of life in landscapes and creative cooking.  

Charismatic, loving, kind, supportive and gentle, Michael’s passing has left the world a little less bright. He will be truly missed in so many ways- the deep, rich baritone, the smooth dance steps, the scotch, the chocolate mousse.  The family wishes to thank Dr. Ron Bronitsky, not only for his loving friendship, but also for his expert medical guidance; Dr. Craig Jensen for being the most incredible doctor, and the critical care and ICU nurses at Presbyterian Hospital Downtown.

A celebration of Michael’s life will be held at the Frank and Dolores Hines Stage on the Sandia Prep campus on June 18th at 10:00 am.

Donations in Michael’s memory may be made to Landmark Musicals or the charity of one’s choice.