Pittsford – 85, died peacefully Thursday morning June 7, 2018 at his Pittsford home. He is predeceased by his wife Eleanor (Ellie), his parents John and Mildred (Cuykendall) Finnerty and Brother in laws Joseph McShea and Rick Volz.
Born June 4, 1933 in Canandaigua, New York, he graduated from Aquinas High School in 1951. He served his country during the Korean War as a member of the United States Air Force and was also a U.S. Navy reservist. He graduated from the U of R with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management in 1968 after 10 years of night school. He worked for General Railway Signal Co. for 43 years, attaining several executive management positions. He was also a partner at the old Red Lion restaurant and owned Clifford’s Liquor store. He was an avid golfer and Buffalo Bills fan. He got a hole in one at Shadow Lake Golf Club, but we don’t know how since he never cleaned his clubs. He also traveled yearly to Hilton Head SC for a week of golf with his Brothers, son and close friends.
He is survived by his five children and their spouses, John “Mark” Finnerty, Julie (Steve) Wilson, Brigette(Kirk) McGovern, Scott Finnerty and Jennifer (Frank) Romano. Grandchildren Ryan (Emma) Kovacs, Stephanie Wilson, Cody and Rose Romano and Great Granddaughter Everly Kovacs. Brothers and sisters Robert (Mary Kay) Finnerty, William (Beverly) Finnerty, Patricia McShea, Joan Volz and Mary Lou (Patrick) Conway, Sister-in-Law Sherry Cumbo, Brother-in-Law Bill (Ginny) Querney, more cousins, nieces and nephews than one could count – in line with a typical Irish Catholic family.
A Catholic Mass will be celebrated at St. Louis Church, 64 S. Main St. Pittsford, NY on Thursday, June 14th at 11am. Followed by Interment at White Haven Memorial Park, 210 Marsh Rd. Pittsford, NY with Military Honors. Condolences can be shared at RochesterCremation.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jack’s name to Veterans Outreach Center or Meals on Wheels.
Jack was married to my sister Ellie and his sense of humor was contagious. He wore a constant smile and always had me and my wife Ginny laughing. They invited us for steaks one Saturday evening and put them on the kitchen counter to thaw for a couple hours in the afternoon while they were out. We got to their place just as they returned and the steaks had disappeared except for some shreds of wrapping paper on the floor and two happy Great Danes! Jack just laughed and went to get some more steaks. God bless you Jack, you are truly a special person.
Hey Dad…
As my tears are falling, I know the train has come for you.
Taking you on your last ride to Heaven to join the love of your life Ellie…
YOU are so, so sorely missed…
The morning doves, blue-jays and robins are still outside of your window Dad…
The flowers still next to your bed.
And Frank Sinatras Watertown still cued up.
I’ve picked up some pennies for you…
Our house is still where your heart is and will always remain.
My love, respect, admiration and appreciation for you is immeasurable Dad…
And the love and the respect and the appreciation you have always given me I know is just the same.
I know it’s been tough Dad.
God wasn’t ready for you yet.
I did what you asked me to do and kept you safe and protected and my heart feels so good.
So, very, very good…
1000 + thank-yous to you Dad are never enough
for all of the blessings you have given to my Mother Ellie and my Brother Scott.
You have provided us with an incredibly good life filled with so, so many wonderful times and so, so many great, great memories.
I am so sad you are not here..
And now, I would love to sing you the song that I have sung so many times to you before.
Til the day we celebrate again. XXOO
❤THANK YOU FOR BEING MY DAD❤
Thank You for being my Dad,
We’ve traveled down the road and back again,
My heart is true,
you’re my pal and my confidant.
And when I throw you your party
and I invite everyone you know,
you will see,
the biggest gift will be from me
and the card will say to you…
❤THANK YOU FOR BEING MY DAD❤