Robert Finan Obituary

ROBERT JAMES FINAN Robert James Finan, age 84, of Elmhurst since 1963, and part-time resident of Incline Village, Nevada since 1990, died July 29, 2013, in Barrington, after a short battle with pulmonary disease. He was born on April 8, 1929, in Chicago. Husband of Carol Jean Finan nee Helmer since 1958 (celebrating 55 years on May 17, 2013); father of Christopher (Heidi) Finan and Jan Marie (Dan) Hoeltgen; grandfather of Nicholas and Dylan Finan and Eve and Sophie Hoeltgen; brother of Elizabeth "Betty" Mc Cabe; brother-in-law of Joyce Finan and Nancy Ziegle. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, John Finan, sister, Margaret Donohue, father, Leo Finan and mother, Mary Finan. Bob graduated from St. Mel 's High School in Chicago, in 1947, attended Northwestern & DePaul Universities in Chicago, and was honorably discharged from the Army in May 1951. He worked as a radio news announcer in Streator, DeKalb and Kankakee, where he later moved to become the court reporter at the Kankakee Daily Journal. He joined the staff at the Chicago Tribune in February of 1963, where he held several editorial positions. He retired after 30 years of service to the Tribune in December 1993, as the front page News Editor. One of his career highlights was a private jet trip to Washington, D.C. to pick up the Watergate Tape Transcripts, and editing them for publication on the return trip. He also worked part-time for 28 years with H &R Block during the tax season. He was an avid reader of a wide range of subjects, a model railroad enthusiast, a Boy Scout Troop Committee Chairman for his son 's troop and a dedicated parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church in Elmhurst. He enjoyed traveling with his family, whether it was a camping trip throughout North America, or a family trip to Spain and Italy to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary. He enjoyed spending summers at Lake Tahoe, where he developed many friendships, especially his morning Breakfast Club. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 A.M., Saturday, August 3, 2013, at Immaculate Conception Church, 134 Arthur St., Elmhurst. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, Memorials will be appreciated for Immaculate Conception Church or St. Francis of Assisi Church, 701 Mount Rose Hwy, Incline Village, NV 89451 or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Ahlgrim Funeral Home. Info 630-834-3515, or www.ahlgrim.com .