Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Matthew Finnegan Obituary
MATTHEW JOHN
FINNEGAN
AGE: 85
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP
Matthew John Finnegan, 85, of Freehold Township, died Thursday, March 5, 2009, at Monmouth Crossings, Freehold Township. Mr. Finnegan was born in Brooklyn and had lived in Woodside, Queens before moving to Freehold Township in 2002. He was the ninth of 10 children. He was in electrical sales for Graybar Electric, Long Island City, N.Y. He was a parishioner, a member of the Parish Council and a lector at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Woodside. Mr. Finnegan was active in the Choir, his baritone voice placed him in great demand as a soloist for weddings, radio and family gatherings. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Hudson Council #3701, Woodside. Mr. Finnegan was an Army Air Corps veteran, serving in the Philippines during World War II. In 1946, he was elected the first commander of the Catholic War Veterans, Post 870, Woodside. He was member of Local 3 of the Electrical Workers Union, New York.
He was predeceased by his wife, D. Claire Waring Finnegan, in 1984. Surviving are three children and their spouses, Matthew Finnegan of Hingham, Mass., Deborah Henry of Freehold Township, and Susan Cox of Manahawkin; six grandchildren, Deborah Colleen, Kimberly, James, Robert, Matthew, and William; and a sister, Kathryn Smithline of Brick.
Visiting hours will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 2009 at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township. Family and friends may gather at 8 a.m. Monday, March 9, 2009 for the Rite of Committal, followed by his 11:15 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Woodside Avenue and 58th Street, Woodside, N.Y. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Queens, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Matthews's name may be made to either the Catholic War Veterans Post 870, 39-46 61 St., Woodside, NY 11377, or to the St. Sebastians Girls Brigade, 39-60 57th St., Woodside, NY 11377, and would be appreciated. For directions, information or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Finnegan
4 Entries
Kathy Nelson
March 8, 2009
We are blessed to have had the privilege of walking with Matthew and your family in his final journey. He will remain in our hearts.
Chaplain Kathy Nelson (VITAS Innovative Hospice)
Edward Gambichler
March 7, 2009
Matty was a friend of my wife's parents long before I met him which wasn't until after he moved back to Woodside after his wife died. As the first Commander and a Charter member of Post # 870 of the Catholic War Veterans it was only natural he get involved again.
From the time he moved back he jumped right in and took an active role in the Post. Several times he was aked to be Commander again and every time he refused saying it was time for younger members. When I decided to run for Commander I asked Matt to be my right hand man. That was probably the smartest thing I did in those two years.
I remember at one Communion Breakfast when I got up to speak I made what I thought was a particularly inspiring speech waxing as eloquently as Patrick Henry and thoroughly enthralling the crowd. When finished, I asked Matt if he wanted to say anything and he replied the people probably had heard enough noise for one day. He had a way of keeping me anchored to the ground. I will miss him, and the members of Post #870 who awarded him life membership about twenty years ago, have lost a true legend.
Ed & Doreen Gambichler
Gene Finnegan
March 7, 2009
Who can remember Uncle Matt without seeing him singing "More"? When my father died and I went to my mother's apartment, Uncle Matt was already there. He was a very special person, as I'm sure anyone who knew him will testify. Deb, Jim and family, Sue, Larry and family and Matt, Debra and family, the family is with you.
Gail & Bernie McNellis
March 7, 2009
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Matthew Finnegan's name
Memorial Events
for Matthew Finnegan
People and places connected with Matthew
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Matthew's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Matthew Finnegan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
