FINNERTY, COL. ROBERT J.

A mass of Christian burial was offered April 9 at St. Lawrence Church for Colonel Robert John Finnerty, U.S. Army (Retired)
of Weehawken. He died peacefully surrounded by his family on April 6 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Bob was born in Bayonne, the son of John Joseph and Catherine Horan Finnerty. He was a graduate of St. Peter’s Preparatory High School and St. Peter’s University. Following graduation, Bob became a U.S. Army helicopter pilot. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he was awarded twenty-six Air Medals, three Medals for Valor, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Army never left him.
Returning stateside, Bob married Irene Alane Blauvelt and moved to Weehawken. He joined the U.S. Army Reserves (USAR) and accepted a position in the nascent computer industry. After serving for over twenty-five years in the USAR, including frequent deployments with U.S. Allies in Germany, Turkey and Italy, Bob retired with the rank of full colonel and was awarded the prestigious Legion of Merit. He had also progressed in his computer career and became the New York District Manager for Stratus Computer Corporation.
In 1993, Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and began working part-time in the Weehawken Public Library. He never complained or stopped doing everything he enjoyed. He loved golf and continued to play with one arm because he had more control over one than two. He will also be remembered for his love of fly fishing, spy novels, a good cigar, and a pint of Guinness.
Bob is survived by his wife, Irene Alane Finnerty and his children: Laura Finnerty Paul of Lake Placid, N.Y.; David Finnerty (Deanna) of Bay Head; and Linda O’Leary (Richard) of Lake Placid, N.Y. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Olivia and Mathew Paul; Robert, James, John and Mary Finnerty; and Joan, Georgia, and Victoria O’Leary. The family would also like to acknowledge Arkady “Alex” Ivasenko, whose unwavering care for Bob for over six years allowed him to remain at home.
Services arranged by the Leber Funeral Home, Union City.