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Pat Finnegan, 93, was called to his heavenly home to join his wife on April 4, 2002. His wife, Evelyn, preceded him in death on May 25, 2000. Pat was born in Gillet, Wisconsin in 1909. He left home at an early age to pursue a career in performing. He was a musician, bandleader and dancer. He met the love of his life, Evelyn, while performing in South Bend, Indiana. They soon formed a dancing duo, Arturo and Evelyn, and during the thirties toured the country playing upscale night clubs and theaters everywhere. They starred with the likes of Danny Thomas, Dean Martin, Sophie Tucker, Jimmy Durante and others. Retiring in 1941, Pat became an officer in the Army Air Corps Reserve training fighter pilots for World War II. In 1945, the duo opened a dance studio in Racine, Wisconsin and later in Los Angeles, CA where they taught the Osmond Brothers, Donny and Marie among others. They retired to Albuquerque in 1976 and taught locally at Lana's School of Dance. Mr. Finnegan is survived by his son, Dr. Michael Finnegan and wife Laurie of Albuquerque; his daughter, Susan Finnegan of California; grandchildren, Kelly Riley and husband Matt, Michael Finnegan, Patrick Finnegan and wife Vicki, Colin Finnegan all of Albuquerque and Jessica Simpson of Palmdale, California; great-grandchildren Lauren and Courtney Riley of Albuquerque and Ryan, Rebecca and Madison Simpson of California. Goodbye for now Grandpa. We will miss you terribly. The family is served by the Sunrise Society. Mass will be said at Sangre De Cristo Catholic Community, Saturday, April 13 at 10:00 AM followed by services at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association New Mexico Chapter.
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