Noted professor in Irish Studies and political science Richard B. Finnegan died at the age of 80 on May 20, at Massachusetts General Hospital, his wife Joanne “Scotti” Finnegan at his bedside.

Mr. Finnegan was born in Boston an attended BC High and Stonehill College, where he earned his bachelor of arts. Masters degrees followed from Boston College and Harvard University and a PhD from Florida State University.

As a young professor, he returned to Stonehill, where he spent a long and distinguished career as one of the college’s most prolific and respected Professors.

He served as chair of the Political Science and International Studies departments and as director of Irish Studies program while helping to compile the largest collection of Irish government documents in the United States.

Stonehill awarded him the honors of distinguished alumnus as well as distinguished scholar and on his retirement, endowed an International Studies Chair in his honor.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Finnegan leaves Scotti, his three sons, Rich, Scott, and Jesse, daughter-in law Sheila and grandchildren Shannon, Liam, Riley and Kate; a brother, Neal; nieces and nephew, Neal and Wayne Finnegan, Terry Lynch and Lynn Judge.

A gathering of family and friends will be held to share food, drink and stories of the quintessential life well lived at the Martin Institute at Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts on June 4.