May 12, 2008 John W. Finlay, 84, passed away Monday morning in his Manlius home after a long illness. John was born in Worcester, MA. He was a World War II veteran who graduated from Becker College in 1948. He spent much of his working life in Poughkeepsie, NY, where he was president of Marine Midland Bank of Southeastern New York. After moving to Syracuse, John became president, CEO, and chairman of the board of Merchants Bank until he retired in 1988. John is best remembered by his family for his love of golf, gardening, and the community. John served on many boards and committees in Syracuse including as treasurer of the Metropolitan Development Association, president of both the United Way of Central New York and Onondaga Golf and Country Club, and positions with the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, the Eye Research Foundation of Central New York, YMCA, LeMoyne College Board of Regents, and the chairman of Downtown Committee. He was director of Rogers Cable Systems served on the Board of Visitors of Syracuse University. He was also director of Crouse Irving Memorial Foundation. John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Regina; his son, Scott and his wife, Marijane; five grandchildren, Bryan, Sarah, Regina, Leslie and Mark; and one great-grandson, Graysen. He was predeceased by his daughter, Melanie of Poughkeepsie; his parents and four siblings. Friends may call this Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Burns-Garfield Funeral Home located at 3145 E. Genesee Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church at 400 Salt Springs Road, Fayetteville, NY at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 17. Contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Francis House or Coaches Versus Cancer. To leave a note of condolence or for directions to the funeral home, please visit www.burnsgarfield.com. Burns-Garfield Funeral Home, Inc.
Published Syracuse Post Standard on May 14, 2008
Contributor: Destiny (48207363)