Sean Michael Finnegan was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 30th, 1971.  He passed away at age 50 during the afternoon of April 29th, 2022, in Washington, DC. He was an active and athletic young man who played multiple sports at Downers Grove South High School.  Sean continued to Murray State and graduated with a degree in Marketing and Advertising and a lifelong and prolific collaboration with Melody (nee Helgerson) Finnegan that culminated in seven children.

Sean launched his three-decade career in New York with BBDO with notable stops at OMD and Starcom, before the entrepreneurial thirst could no longer be sated. He founded the C4 consultancy and The Room, and co-founded The Chameleon Collective.  His latest creation is VO Partners. Sean had a passion for knowing people and connecting them in both the social and business realms.  Sean served as a mentor to many, at all career stages. Sean was known for his foresight, innovative thinking, acerbic wit, quick smile, hearty laugh, and physical humor. He was sought after as a lecturer in business and academia. He was a collector of sports and political paraphernalia, and just as quick to donate to a charitable cause.  His patriotic passion led him to co-found the TD Foundation to aid the children of wounded warriors.

Sean is survived by his wife, Melody (nee Helgerson) Finnegan of Pierre South Dakota, seven children, Hunter, Claire, Morgan, Logan, Declan, Cuyler, and Keefer. He is further survived by his mother Teri, brothers Paul, Conor, Patrick, Kenny, and sister Celene. Sadly, he was preceded in death by his father Michael in the past year.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. CDT Monday, May 16, 2022, at Willow Creek Community Church South Barrington (67 Algonquin Road, South Barrington, IL 60010).  All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Sean Finnegan Legacy Fund .

Please use the following link to view Sean's custom memorial page: Sean Finnegan Obituary