Obituary of William H. Finn

William H. Finn, age 96, died peacefully on January 11, 2024 at his home in The Villages, Florida.

Bill was born on July 20, 1927 in Schenectady, NY to the late Eva (Klopeki) Finn and William H. Finn, Sr. He grew up in Scotia with his siblings John “Jack”, Michael, Martin and Sheila. 

Bill was predeceased by his wife, Julia Villano, to whom he was married for 55 years. Together they raised their family in Rotterdam, New York: son, Dr. David (Debra) Finn of Cortland, NY; daughter, Deborah (Robert) Bain of Guilderland, NY; and daughter Leisha (Mark) Simon of Framingham, MA. He is also survived by his long-time partner, Dora Bryan of The Villages, Florida; his sister Sheila Finn Martire of Washington, DC; sister-in-law Joanne (Martin) Finn of Cohoes, NY; eight grandchildren: Robert (Elyse) Bain Jr., Christopher (Jenna) Bain, Natalie (Ryan) Hooper, Dr. Jessica Finn (Thomas Jeon), Jonathan (Monica) Finn, Dr. Miranda (Matthew) Post, Julie (Clay) Nicolau and Derek (Kelly) Simon and 13 great grandchildren…all of whom adored him. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

Bill retired as Manager of Reactor Drafting in Engineering Design Services from the General Electric Company in 1988, after 41 years of service at the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory. He served during WWII in the US Navy. He was a member of The Knight's of St. John International, Commandery 100, in Schenectady, NY and had been honored with the “Noble Degree” and “Jewel of Honor”. He was a member of St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Rotterdam and later, St. Timothy's Catholic Church in The Villages, FL. Bill was also a member of the Orange Blossom Hills Pool League, The General Electric Apprentice Alumni Association and The General Electric Quarter Century Club. Bill was an original “DIYer”, having a hand in building and remodeling each of his 4 houses, helping with the building and the remodeling of others and digging the family in-ground pool by hand. He was an avid golfer and billiard player, loved to read and most of all spend time with his beloved family. He got a kick out of all of “the littles” and always carried crisp, new $2.00 bills in his wallet to give away!!

A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Schenectady, NY on Saturday, May 25 at 10:30 a.m.

Interment will be at Memory Gardens in Colonie, NY at the convenience of the family.

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