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RIDGECREST, CA -- Stephen A. Finnegan June 30, 1938 - October 24, 2026
Stephen A. Finnegan, 88, of Ridgecrest, California, passed away on October 24, 2026, leaving a legacy of scientific achievement, dedicated public service, and a life well lived.
Born in San Diego, California, to William and Edith Hoppa Finnegan, Stephen was the youngest of five children. His father, U.S. Navy Ensign William Michael Finnegan, was killed aboard the USS Oklahoma during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, when Stephen was just three years old. His mother never remarried. The U.S. Navy subsequently named the destroyer escort USS Finnegan (DE-307) in his father's honor.
Stephen grew up in Dollar Bay, Michigan, where he attended elementary and high school before continuing his education at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geophysical Engineering in 1961, followed by a Master of Science degree in Geophysics in 1963.
That same year, he began a distinguished career at the Naval Weapons Center, later known as the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, at China Lake, California. He devoted decades to scientific research and technical work in support of the United States Navy.
His expertise earned him recognition as a Fellow of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division. He was affiliated with several professional organizations, including Tau Beta Pi, Sigma Xi, and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. His contributions also included involvement with the Order of the Purple Sage and many years of service as a firing officer.
In 1994, Stephen married Marilyn, whom he had briefly dated as a teenager in Michigan. Reunited years later, they shared more than three decades of marriage and built a life together in Ridgecrest.
An avid walker and outdoorsman, Stephen enjoyed hiking and camping in California's Sierra Nevada mountains and playing racquetball. He remained active well into his later years and had a lifelong affection for animals. He will be remembered for his intelligence, generosity, kindness, and willingness to help others.
Stephen was preceded in death by his parents and four older siblings. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn, and their extended family.
He will be laid to rest in Houghton, Michigan, alongside his mother and father.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Stephen's memory may consider a donation to a cancer research or animal welfare organization of their choice.