Margherita Ann Finelli, 62, Upper Arlington, Ohio, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Kobacker House, July 2, 2019 after a valiant 33-month battle with cancer.  Beloved daughter and youngest child of Vincent and Evelyn (Dallas) Finelli, adoring mother of Nicholas Vincent,  much loved sister of Christy (Ross Bartschy), Anthony, Vince (Ellen), Angie (Bruce Highberg), and Frank (Michele).  Special aunt to Mark (Tammi), Joseph and Michael Creamer, Kyle (Andrea) and Taryn Finelli, Eva and Alyssa Highberg, Amanda Finelli, Lindsay (Chris Wey).  Also survived by great nephews Zach (Ally), Jacob, Matthew, Gavin, Graiden, Kyler and Kameron, her godchildren, her wonderful Dallas, Finelli, and Giannantonio cousins and many special friends, and her loyal and much loved beagle, Bella.

Margherita was a 1975 graduate of Upper Arlington High School and went on to receive her B.A. in Communications. Radio & Television in 1978 from The Ohio State University, where she affiliated with Delta Delta Delta Sorority.   She also obtained her M.S.  Marketing/Communications from Franklin University.  Margherita’s “personal best” was as a single parent to Nick, who was a source of constant joy and happiness.  Margherita was active in all of Nick’s activities and very proud that he was a legacy Upper Arlington graduate.  She loved Upper Arlington and was active in her class events, the Upper Arlington Alumni Association, Vaud-Villities, Opera Columbus and UA Baseball.  She spearheaded the Hall of Fame recognition annual awards for UA Baseball and was especially proud to receive a special recognition plaque from that organization last January.

Margherita’s career path led her to many exciting opportunities.  Upon her graduation from The Ohio State University, she was offered a television producer position with KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, PA, followed by an Executive Producer position for “The Ira Joe Fisher Show” with WKRC-TV in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she made many lifelong friends.  Margherita’s return to Columbus, Ohio in 1990 led to positions as the Community Affairs Director for WTTE-FOX 28, Marketing Director for HER Realtors, Network Manager and Executive Producer for OMEN-TV, a Nationally award-winning distance education series with The Ohio State University Medical Center.  Margherita also held Marketing and Communications positions with the Student Information System Project at OSU, as well as Marketing Manager for CBRE Commercial Real Estate.

Margherita’s “professional best” and absolute passion was as the co-founder of UA Supersite.com, Upper Arlington’s online community resource.   She created, launched, developed and secured sponsors for this highly utilized one-stop online resource for the Upper Arlington community, which was nominated for 2004 Business of the Year by the City of Upper Arlington.

Margherita’s civic and professional activities included Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Upper Arlington Baseball Boosters Club, Upper Arlington Junior Baseball Association, Upper Arlington Alumni Association, Upper Arlington Civic Association, Upper Arlington Area Chamber of Commerce, Upper Arlington Historical Society, American Women in Radio and Television and Women in Communications.  She was also an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan.

Friends will be received Sunday from 2-5 pm at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 1559 Roxbury Road, Columbus 43212, with Rosary service at 4:30 pm. The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial, will be held Monday at 10 am, with entombment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum. Monsignor Anthony Missimi Celebrant.   A celebration of Margherita’s life follows in the Father Romano Parish Life Center.

Margherita’s wishes were for memorial contributions to be made to the Margherita A. Finelli Memorial Fund in consideration of Nick’s future, rather than honoring her with flowers.  Memorial contribution envelopes will be available during the visitation and funeral or can be mailed directly to the Margherita A. Finelli Memorial Fund, PO BOX 20001, Columbus, OH  43220.