Thomas "Tom" James Finnegan III

Thomas James Finnegan, III, known to his loved ones as “Tom,” passed away on August 17, 2023, at the age of 61 in Bel Air, Maryland. Born on November 13, 1961, in Bronx, NY, Tom was the beloved husband of Renee Finnegan.

Tom was a loving and devoted father to his son, Thomas J. Finnegan, IV his wife Kimberly, daughter Samantha Vanderbeck and her husband Charles. He cherished his family and was a beloved son to Thomas J. Finnegan, Jr., and Mary Julia Finnegan (predeceased). Tom is also survived by his sisters Suzanne Bouton her husband Dave, Annine Helgans her husband Scott (predeceased), Theresa Finnegan, MaryJo Baltzer her husband Gordon, as well as his brothers Stephen Finnegan his wife Carla and Christopher Finnegan. He will be deeply missed by his many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Tom was a proud graduate of Regis High School in New York City, NY, and later pursued higher education at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA. He valued education and believed in the power of knowledge.

After graduation Tom entered the workforce as a high school teacher at Monsignor Bonner. He then landed at Fidelity Life, Mid-America Group and William, Thatcher & Rand, Inc. where he began his successful career in the Retirement Industry. Tom secured his designation of Enrolled Actuary and became a member of the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries. He went on to earn several designations such as his FSPA (Fellow, American Society of Enrolled Actuaries), FCA (Fellow, Conference of Consulting Actuaries) and MAAA (Member, American Academy of Actuaries).

In 1995 he landed at The Savitz Organization and was a Managing Principal. After Tom helped to grow the firm, there was a successful acquisition of The Savitz Organization in 2016 and he joined CBIZ Retirement and Investment Solutions as President of the Actuarial Division.

Tom was instrumental in the success and growth of the Actuarial Division at CBIZ. He was also a senior leader in their ERISA Compliance practice where his significant involvement within the actuarial profession provided access to and interaction with regulators and Congressional staff. He was a Past-President of the American Retirement Association (ARA), a Past-President of the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA) and a Past-President of the American Society of Enrolled Actuaries (ASEA). He also served two terms on the Board of the American Academy of Actuaries, served as Chair of ACOPA’s Government Affairs Committee, and served on the Executive Committee of the ASPPA and ARA Government Affairs Committees. He also represented these organizations in regular meetings with the IRS, PBGC, Treasury and DOL, as well as in meetings with legislators in both houses and their staff.

In addition, Tom received the Edward E. Burrows Distinguished Achievement Award from the American Society of Enrolled Actuaries (ASEA), ASPPA’s Educator of the Year Award, and just this past year was awarded ASPPA’s Founders Award named after ASPPA’s first president, Harry T Edison.

Although Tom was a leader in his profession, he will be most remembered as a source of sage advice, humor and compassion to his family, friends, and co-workers. In his leisure time, Tom enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including golfing, jet skiing, swimming, and watching car restoration and BBQ shows. He found solace and joy at his beach home in West Ocean City, Maryland.

A memorial service will be held in Tom's honor at St. Margaret Parish, located at 141 Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD 21014, on September 14, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Following the service, a reception lunch will be held at Maryland Golf & Country Club, situated at 1335 E. MacPhail Road, Bel Air, MD 21015.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to Philabundance or the First Tee. These organizations held special meaning to Tom and supporting them will continue his legacy of compassion and generosity.

Philabundance.org/donate-funds/

Firsttee.org/donate/

Tom Finnegan will be remembered for his kind heart, his generosity to help others, and unwavering love for his family. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

Won’t you fly high, free bird, yeah

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.schimunek-belair.com for the Finnegan family.