Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May the souls of the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

_{We Bid Farewell to
Illuminations columnist J. Michael (Mike) Finn
as he goes home to his rich rewards}

 _{iIrish’s longest running columnist,
Mike taught, pulled and pushed so many
to higher levels of knowledge, achievement
and enjoyment of this great gift of life.}

Ancient Order of Hibernians members from across Ohio gathered at the funeral of Mike Finn July 14th in Columbus.

John Michael Finn

(February 16, 1949 – July 7, 2025)

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.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Our Lady of Peace School.

Bridget “Bridgie” McIntyre

(January 12, 1945 – July 15, 2025)

BRIDGET “BRIDGIE” McINTYRE (nee English) age 80. Native of Cashel South, Achill, County Mayo, Ireland, was the faithful wife of Thomas “Tommy” (deceased); the most loving mother and mother-in-law to Thomas (Lisa), Mary (Matt Setta), Margaret (Chad Stacy), and Erin (Iván Fuentes); the best Granny to Kate and Shane, Aidan and Julia, Celia, and Beatrice. 

She was the dedicated daughter of the late Mary (nee Cafferkey) and Michael English and daughter-in-law of the late Beatrice (nee Masterson) and Thomas McIntyre. A beloved sister and sister-in-law to Patrick and Patricia English, Breege English, and Fran McIntyre and to the following deceased members of the English and McIntyre families: Michael and Mary English, Edward English, Mary English, Mary and Paddy Campbell, and Michael McIntyre. 

An adored aunt to Rachael, Scott, Lindsey, Michael, and Edward English and their families; Peter and Meghann, Colleen, and Patrick and Rebecca Campbell, Michael and Andrea McIntyre. She was equally adored by her great nieces and nephews of the Campbell, McIntyre, and English families. 

Bridgie treasured her family near and far, and was a dear friend to all. Her heart was pure, her spirit joyful, her faith deep, her laughter contagious, and her love unconditional. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

Ar dheis Dé go raibha anam dílis.
(May his faithful soul be on the right side of God)