VILLANOVA, Pa. – Villanova alumnus and longtime supporter of Wildcats Athletics, William B. Finneran '63 VSB, died Tuesday. A former member of the University's Board of Trustees and a co-chair of Villanova's previous capital campaign, "Transforming Minds and Hearts: The Campaign For Villanova", Finneran also endowed the Men's Basketball Head Coaching Position and provided the lead gift for Finneran Pavilion.
 
"We lost a great Villanovan this week," said University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., PhD. "Bill was a very passionate alumnus and generous supporter of Villanova. His impact on the University, particularly Villanova Basketball, will continue to be felt by Villanovans for generations."
 
On Nov. 14, 2018 Finneran cut the ribbon dedicating the facility bearing his name, Finneran Pavilion, alongside University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Director of Athletics Mark Jackson, Head Coach Jay Wright and Patty Wright.
 
"All of us in the Nova Nation have heavy hearts today, with word of Bill's passing," stated Jackson. "Bill was one of Villanova's most generous and passionate alums, a great friend to many. I will personally miss his counsel and companionship."
 
  "Bill was a legendary Villanova man," stated Jay Wright. "He was also a great friend and mentor to me and Patty from the day we arrived at Villanova. Our family will miss a great friend. Villanova and the world will miss a genuinely good guy."
 
Finneran was a member of Villanova's Carr and Heritage Societies, which recognize the lasting impact of dedicated alumni, parents and friends on the University. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Villanova in 1994 and has been a long-time, passionate supporter of Villanova Athletics.
 
A visitation and celebration of life will take place on Sunday, Nov. 17 at the University Club of New York. The visitation will be from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and the celebration of life will immediately follow. The funeral Mass will take place on Monday, Nov. 18 at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City at 10 a.m.