John E. Finlay

LISBON - John E. Finlay, aged 34, of Lisbon, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, following a brief illness. Born on October 29, 1990, in Beaver, PA, John was the cherished son of Matthew and Linda (Shoaff) Finlay. 

A 2009 graduate of West Branch High School, John's academic achievements earned him a spot on the Dean's List at New Castle School of Trades, where he graduated in 2015. His dedication to his studies and passion for cars paved the way for a successful 12-year tenure at Ventra, where his skills and work ethic were highly valued. John was a man of faith and was a member of Lisbon Baptist Church and Chewton Christian Church in Pennsylvania.

John was a man of many interests. A lover of tattoos, culinary arts, Pittsburgh Pirates and Penguins, the serenity of the outdoors, fishing, Star Wars, and much more. John’s passion made it easy for him to converse with anyone he encountered. He could strike up a conversation about a new recipe that he was trying, a book that he read, or how the Pittsburgh Pirates were always losing. John had an imaginative and whimsical spirit, as well as a love for life.

In 2020, John married his beloved wife, Elizabeth Hall-Finlay. Their love started in 2015, and they instantly connected over a love of dogs, trashy reality TV shows, and all things fall. October was a special time in their household, between their wedding anniversary, John’s birthday, and Halloween, they were always celebrating. Their home was filled with laughter, love, and the occasional bark from their dogs, Duke and Misty. While John loved his wife, some would say he loved his dog Misty even more. He found comfort and companionship in their bond. As for Duke, he tolerated him and his clinginess because he loved his wife.

Leaving behind to treasure his memory are his beloved wife, Elizabeth Hall; his devoted parents, Linda and Matthew Finlay; his brother, Josh Finlay; his parents-in-law, Dennis and Joann Hall, who treated John as a son they did not have; a sister-in-law, Amanda Hall, and many close friends and family. John was a beacon of light in their lives, and his absence will leave a void that can never be filled.

Waiting to greet John in Heaven is his little brother, Timothy, with whom he felt a special connection, even if it was for a brief time. In addition, his paternal grandparents, Nicholas Edwin Finlay and Marjorie “Sassy” Joann (Reese) Finlay, and his maternal grandparents, Ronald Edward Shoaff and Jane Margaret (Goddard) Shoaff.

A funeral service to celebrate John's life will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Stark Memorial. Friends and family will be received from 5:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

John's legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His zest for life, his unwavering kindness, and his remarkable spirit will never be forgotten.

To view John's obituary, send condolences, or share a memory, please visit www.starkmemorial.com.

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