Enzo C. Finelli

Enzo Finelli of Needham, MA, passed unexpectedly on Saturday, May 14th, 2022. He was only 52. And while his untimely death has left a hole in the hearts of his family and many friends, it should be of solace to know that he departed this world amongst the clouds, immersed in one of his life’s great passions: hiking with good friends, upon approach to the summit of Mt Washington in New Hampshire. He is survived by his wife, Ginger Finelli, and his three daughters, Olivia, Audrey, and Sophia. He was, and always will be, immensely and lovingly cherished.

Enzo was born August 4th, 1969, of Elena Cash and the late Crescenzo Finelli in Waterbury, CT. After graduating from Holy Cross High School, he studied Finance at Bentley College in Boston. He would go on to receive his law degree in 1996 from the University of San Diego in California, where he began his legal career working with Royce, Grimm, Vranjes, McCormick and Graham LLP.

While in San Diego, at a party on New Year’s Eve of 1997, Enzo met the love of his life, Ginger Goodwin. After sharing a martini, he would ask her on a date; little did they know then that they would spend the rest of Enzo’s life together.

Once engaged, Enzo and Ginger moved to Boston, MA, and they were married one-and-a-half years later on September 23rd, 2000, in Maui, HI. They found a home in Needham, where they have lived for 18 years, raised their three daughters, and have treasured the extended family they have made in their community.

Enzo was a successful attorney, specializing in Business and Commercial Real Estate Law, with a focus in dental practice transitions, purchases, and sales. He poured his heart and soul into his work. His clients were priority, and many became good friends.

Enzo’s multifaceted interests extended from his infinite curiosity and insatiable thirst for knowledge. He was an amateur vintner, fermenting and bottling wine in his basement in the style of the old Italian countryside—a revered tradition passed down to him by his grandfather, an Italian immigrant. As the unintimidated adventurist, Enzo pushed himself to face his fears while shark diving, swimming from Alcatraz, competing in the Mt. Washington road race, and scaling all of the New England Fifty Finest mountains. He was an avid reader and ardent cineaste; he left no book unread, no movie unwatched—even the bad ones. He had an encyclopedic mind for trivia on any topic—a skill that impressed those who never really asked, but were grateful to learn from him nonetheless. Never without a furry companion by his side, Enzo raised many dogs throughout his life, fostering a Labrador and Golden Retriever, Kona and Winnie, alongside his growing children—though, he gained particular kinship and loyalty from Winnie, per his daughters’ jealousy. And boy oh boy, did Enzo enjoy eating bread and cheese—it was the Italian in him.

As a devoted husband and father, Enzo loved being with his family more than anything. He was a true- blue girls’ dad and enjoyed spending his weekends coaching his daughters’ teams or attending their swim meets and volleyball tournaments. He eagerly attended parent & child swim lessons with each of his three infant daughters at the YMCA pool—for which he subsequently took much of the credit for his girls' powerful aquatic agility. He passionately taught his girls about everything he knew; mountain climbing, politics, finances/stock market, animals, winemaking, and all that he read and learned. And like any great father, he would crack jokes for his family’s unrequested amusement—most often met with aggressive eye-rolls from his girls, but never without a sly, amused grin that they would try to hide as they shook their heads in affectionate disapproval. Olivia, Audrey, and Sophia loved him without end.

Rosy cheeked, usually with a smile. An infectious laugh that bellowed with joy. Known by all as a brilliant, empathetic, generous, and warm individual.

“A life ended too soon, but an everlasting spirit carried forth in our memories. Enzo Finelli will be forever missed.”

Visitation will be held on Friday May 20th from 4-8pm in the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Ave, Needham. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 21st @ 10am at St. Bartholomew Church, 1180 Greendale Ave, Needham. Following the funeral, all guests are welcome to join the family at noon for refreshments at 62 Broad Meadow Road Needham.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/GiftFunds/GiftFunds?px=7516161&pg=personal&fr_id=39300